Ray Warren diagnosed with prostate cancer

Popular rugby league commentator Ray 'Rabbits' Warren has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Warren, 67, said on Saturday he was diagnosed with cancer three days ago but was optimistic of making a full recovery.

"It's devastating and I've got to take on this challenge now but I'm very positive," Warren announced on Triple M's Dead Set Legends programme.

"... by this time next week I might be rid of the prostate cancer, through operation."

Warren said a hospital visit in October 2010, which almost led to him missing the NRL grand final, was linked with the recent cancer diagnosis.

"I had a thing called prostatitis," the Nine Network commentator said.

"The doctor said then there was something wrong with my prostate.

"It's been eight months checking the PSA blood reading, and it hasn't come down sufficiently.

"You don't want to leave this life when you're having a good time and I'm having a very good time, because I've got a lovely wife and a 13-year-old daughter."

Warren had CAT scans and bone scans on Friday and said he was hopeful after speaking with friends who had also had prostate cancer.

"I'm sure I'll be OK," Warren said.

"I've had so many friends (that have had it) that have rung me, and they're OK.

"It's game on."

Warren, commonly referred to as 'the voice of rugby league', began commentating on the Amco Cup competition in the 1970s and became Network Ten's chief rugby league commentator in 1983.

After spending time also calling horse racing, he was recruited by the Nine Network in 1989 to call State of Origin and swimming.

He has called rugby league full-time since Nine acquired the television rights to the game in 1992.

On Saturday he gave no indication he would miss calling any games.

- AAP