Sen. Thom Tillis will undergo surgery next week for prostate cancer, he announced Monday.
In a statement, the North Carolina Republican said that the cancer was found early and that he expects to make a full recovery. The surgery will take place in his home state.
“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 said Monday.
“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.”
Tillis, 60, was reelected in November to a second Senate term, defeating Democratic nominee Cal Cunningham. Prior to his election to the Senate, Tillis was Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives.