Rick Steves, the travel writer and publisher of popular travel guides, television programs and radio shows, announced Thursday that he has prostate cancer.

Steves wrote on social media that scans showed his cancer had not spread and that “there is a clear path to recovery.”

This month he will finish filming two new television shows in France before returning to his home state of Washington for surgery.

“I will probably have surgery in late September, be confined to bed for a month, and, God willing, be cancer-free and back on my feet by the end of October,” Steves, 69, continued in his message. “I have great faith in my doctor and in the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle. And I have much more to be thankful for… including the support of friends and family and the firm belief that I am in good hands.”

Steves, who said he had never spent a night in the hospital, added that he was approaching the surgery “almost as if it were an amazing, really important journey.”

“I feel good about my positive attitude,” he continued. “And I expect to take home some delightful, if intangible, souvenirs, like: appreciating the little things and seeing the vitality in them; appreciating the good in people and the treasure of friends and family; being amazed by modern medicine and the army of amazing, smart and dedicated people who make it possible; appreciating what a blessing life, health and this world are to enjoy; and — in general — being more grateful.”

He concluded his message by saying that he was looking forward to “many more years full of wonderful travels, exciting collaborations and wonderful friendships.”

Steves is known as the author of numerous travel guides about Europe. Since 2000 he has hosted the television show Rick Steves’ Europe and also hosts the radio show and podcast, Travel with Rick Steves.