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Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) announced on Monday that he has prostate cancer and will be seeking treatment next week.
Tillis, a republican incumbent who won reelection over Democratic challenger Cal Cunningham in November, said in a statement that he expects “to make a full recovery.”
“Next week, I will have surgery in North Carolina to treat prostate cancer,” Tillis said. “I am in the hands of outstanding medical professionals and expect to make a full recovery.” With the diagnosis, he reiterated the importance of getting routine screenings for all men regardless of age.
“I am blessed that my cancer was detected relatively early, and I can’t emphasize enough how important routine screenings are, regardless of how healthy you think you are,” Tillis continued.
“I had no symptoms and would have never imagined I had cancer. My prognosis is good because I went to my annual physical and received a PSA test, which led to a biopsy and eventually my diagnosis. Early detection can truly save lives.”
Former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory was one of the many on Monday to show their support for the Senator, wishing his friend a “quick recovery” ahead of the upcoming surgery.
Tillis, 60, entered his second term in the US Senate after a brief asymptomatic battle with COVID-19 back in October.
As the US Senate is split 50-50 with Vice President Kamala Harris swaying Democratic control with any tie breaking votes, Tillis’ absence may cause a temporary shift in numbers for Republicans.
Roughly 1 in 8 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to cancer.org. The second-most deadly cancer, killing 33,330 men in the US in 2019.
Sen. Thom Tillis announces he has prostate cancer; expected to fully recovery was originally published on wbt.com
