BOSTON -- Lowell Sun columnist and radio host Paul Sullivan announced Wednesday that his battle with cancer has prompted him to leave his daily air job.

Sullivan has announced he will leave his WBZ radio show next week for health reasons.

Sullivan has had four surgeries since he was diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma three years ago.

In a letter released Wednesday morning, Sullivan said the burden has just become too much for his friends, family and colleagues.

He said he hopes to continue to contribute to the station in some capacity.