Foreigner keyboard player Michael Bluestein has been diagnosed with colon cancer.

The musician has announced he will be taking an indefinite break from the group as he prepares to undergo aggressive treatment to beat the disease.

A statement from Bluestein posted on the band's website reads, "I recently went to the hospital following some symptoms, and it was discovered that I have colorectal cancer. This has required me to take a leave of absence from the band for a significant period."

But Bluestein remains upbeat about his prognosis, insisting medics expect him to make a full recovery.

He adds, "The good news is that I caught this early enough so that through chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, I will be able to treat this and return to normal life after it's over. And, of course, normal life for me includes rocking with Foreigner!!"

The rocker has also performed with Enrique Iglesias, songwriter Burt Bacharach, Stevie Nicks and singer Boz Scaggs.