Toronto Mayor Rob Ford diagnosed with 'fairly aggressive' form of cancer

The Toronto Mayor faces weeks of chemotherapy at Mount Sinai hospital

Rob Ford was elected in 2010 on a populist platform. He appears to be attempting to weather the scandal (Reuters)

Rob Ford has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

The Toronto mayor has a “fairly aggressive” type of malignant liposarcoma in his abdomen – an unusual cancer that affects soft tissues in the body.

He will soon undergo chemotherapy at Mount Sinai hospital.

“I'm optimistic about treatment,” said Dr Zane Cohen, who is overseeing his treatment. “It's a rare tumour, a very difficult tumour.”

Doctors have found two tumours – one measuring 12cm by 12cm in his abdomen and another smaller 2cm one his left buttock, which are believed to have developed over the past three years.

He refused to step down from office, but was forced to pull out of the October mayoral election, after being hospitalised last week.

“My heart is heavy when I tell you that I’m unable to continue my campaign for re-election as your mayor,” Ford said in a statement.

“I love our city and I love being your mayor. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve you.”