BUFFALO, N.Y. — Jack Kemp, the former housing secretary, congressman and Buffalo Bills quarterback, has been diagnosed with cancer, his office said Wednesday.

A statement issued in Washington said Kemp was undergoing tests to assess the origin of the disease and the treatment.

The statement did not disclose the type of cancer.

Kemp, 73, said he would continue to serve as chairman of his Washington-based Kemp Partners consulting firm and would remain involved in charitable and political work.

After his football career, Kemp represented western New York for nine terms in Congress.

He ran unsuccessfully for president bid in 1988, then later was President George H.W. Bush's housing secretary and ran for vice president as Bob Dole's running mate.

Dole said Wednesday that Kemp is "a tough guy of deep faith, and his multitudes of friends are praying for the best."