Christopher Hitchens to undergo chemotherapy
1st July 2010
Christopher Hitchens has pulled out of a promotional book tour to undergo chemotherapy.
The British writer, who now lives in the US, has been diagnosed with cancer at the age of 61.
Hitchens, author of God is Not Great and The Portable Atheist, apologised to fans for halting the tour.
In a statement issued by his publisher, Hitchens said: 'I have been advised by my physician that I must undergo a course of chemotherapy on my oesophagus.
'This advice seems persuasive to me. I regret having had to cancel so many engagements at such short notice.'
Hitchens was touring the US, promoting his memoir Hitch-22, which delves into his interest in the Middle East and Zimbabwe, as well as his close friendship with authors such as Salman Rushdie and Martin Amis.
Hitchens' God is Not Great was nominated for a National Book Award in 2007.