US Defense Secretary Austin has prostate cancer, hospital says

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has prostate cancer, the hospital treating him says.

The disease was recognized early and the prognosis for a cure is "excellent," Walter Reed Military Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland - outside of the US capital - announced on Tuesday.

The Pentagon in Washington has been criticized for not telling either President Joe Biden or the public quickly about Austin's condition.

The 70-year-old has been hospitalized since the beginning of the year due to complications following an operation at the end of December.

The prostate cancer was diagnosed at the beginning of December, the hospital announced. Shortly before Christmas, Austin underwent a minimally invasive surgical procedure and went home the next morning.

On New Year's Day, Austin was then admitted to hospital due to complications, including nausea and severe abdominal, hip and leg pain. An initial examination revealed a urinary tract infection and he was transferred to the intensive care unit on January 2.

According to the hospital, fluid accumulation in the abdomen caused problems.

The infection has since subsided. Austin is making progress and a "full recovery" is expected, but this could be a long process, the hospital said.

The defense secretary was never unconscious or subject to a general anaesthetic, the army hospital added.

In the United States it is typical for top officials to inform the public about the state of their health.

Austin came under hefty criticism for not doing so. He publicly apologized and said he "would do better."

The Pentagon did not initially provide any information on what kind of procedure had caused complications and what treatment was required. US President Joe Biden was also not immediately informed.