Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe has prostate cancer that has spread to other organs and was urged by his physician to step down in 2008, according to a US diplomatic cable released by WikiLeaks.
In the cable dated June 2008 and written by James D McGee, the former US ambassador in Harare, Zimbabwe's Central Bank governor Gideon Gono was cited as saying the cancer could lead to Mr Mugabe's death in three to five years.
"Gideon Gono, governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, told the ambassador ... that President Robert Mugabe has prostate cancer that has metastasised and, according to doctors, will cause his death in three to five years," the cable said.
The Zimbabwean government and Mugabe's office was not immediately available for comment.
Mr Mugabe (87), has been in power since Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain in 1980. Although there have been numerous reports over the past decades on his health, he has no publicly known serious ailment but underwent cataract surgery in Singapore in February.
In an interview last September, Mr Mugabe dismissed rumours that he was dying of cancer and had suffered a stroke.
Zimbabwean media reported on Saturday that Mr Mugabe had said elections will be held early next year.
Elections are only due in 2013 but Mr Mugabe says the unity government he was forced into two years ago with his rival, prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai, has run its course.
Analysts say Mr Mugabe's inner circle wants an early election, fearing the veteran leader may not be able to cope with the demands of campaigning in two years' time when he will be 89.