LONDON, Sept 26 (Reuters) - Virgin Media O2's chief

executive Lutz Schuler is being treated for prostate cancer and

will take a leave of absence for up to eight weeks to recover

from upcoming surgery, the British broadband and mobile company

said on Thursday.

Chief Financial Officer Patricia Cobian will act as chief

executive for the next four to eight weeks while Schuler focuses

on his health and recovery, it said, adding that his prognosis

was very positive and he was expected to make a full recovery.

Virgin Media O2 is a joint venture between Telefonica

and Liberty Global ( LBTYA ).