Gen. David Petraeus treated for cancer

Gen. David Petraeus, the top commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in February but has undergone "successful" treatments, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.

Col. Erik Gunhus, the general's spokesman, said that Petraeus underwent two months of radiation treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The spokesman added that the treatment did not affect Petraeus's job performance since he spent most of his time in Washington conducting policy reviews and other Defense Department activities.

President Barack Obama, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and other administration officials were informed of Petraeus's illness and treatment. Petraeus chose not to publicly announce his diagnosis at first because he feared it would interfere with his duties, Gunhus said.

The public announcement comes at a time when the Obama administration is conducting a strategic review of the war in Afghanistan, which Petraeus oversees.