Former Australian skipper and a veteran commentator Richie Benaud revealed that he is suffering from skin cancer, and that the treatment is underway.

Benaud, who scored more than 2,000 runs for Australia in 63 test matches, announce at a public event in Sydney that he is going through radiation therapy.

"I'm coping with it very well - the doctors are pleased," Benaud said in quotes on Channel Nine. "I'm going along slowly. The cancers need to be treated."

The 84-year-old is going through treatment for skin cancer on his forehead and the top of his head.

Benaud, who played 63 tests for Australia and took 248 wickets at an average of 27.03, have urged kids and youngsters to wear cap to avoid chances of such disease.

"I recommend to everyone they wear protection on their heads. Eighty-four-year-olds don't seem to mind as well as they used to," he said. "When I was a kid, we never ever wore a cap. I wish I had. You live and learn as you go along."

Benaud, who under his influential captaincy and all round performance, helped the baggy greens in reclaiming ashes back in 1958-9 , believes that things are going in the right direction about his health.

"Progress is slow," he said. "I've been doing a lot of walking. We are out every morning, doing 40-minute walks every morning and it's showing beneficial effects."

Benaud, who started working as a journalist for BBC Radio in 1960, haven’t commentated since October last year.