NDP Leader Jack Layton addresses the media for the first time since he announced he's battling prostate cancer. (Pawel Dwulit/Canadian Press)

NDP Leader Jack Layton had little to say about his battle against prostate cancer following his surprise announcement on Friday, instead wanting to focus on his party's issues.

Layton, speaking at a news conference in Ottawa on Monday to address the economic issues facing women and children, provided few details when a reporter asked him about his illness.

"I'm feeling good. I think that's probably pretty obvious," Layton said.

Asked whether he’d be able to keep up the pace of his work schedule, Layton only said: "Certainly hope so, that’s the plan."

"We'll see," he later elaborated in French, when asked about the subject by a French reporter. "I feel good so I'm going to continue fulfilling my responsibilities with all the energy I have, and I do have a lot of energy."

On Friday, Layton announced that he has treatable prostate cancer and that he is undergoing treatment but that he will not step down as leader of his party while he battles the disease.