Democratic Michigan Rep. Dan Kildee revealed on Friday that he has been diagnosed with cancer.
Kildee, 64, announced in a statement that he was diagnosed with cancer in his tonsil and will soon undergo surgery to remove the tumor.
Michigan Rep. Dan Kildee reveals cancer diagnosis https://t.co/q8emnd7Qr8 pic.twitter.com/buuhb0A3ix
— New York Post (@nypost) April 1, 2023
“A few weeks ago, after consulting with my doctors, I scheduled what I thought was a preventive scan for a swollen lymph node. The results, it turns out, were more significant,” he said. “After additional testing, I’ve been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a serious but curable form of cancer. Thankfully, I caught it very early. With early detection and great doctors, they found a very small tumor in one of my tonsils.”
The Michigan native also said that recovery from the procedure will take “a few weeks,” but that his office will remain open to serve constituents.
“In a few weeks, I will have surgery to remove the cancer. The prognosis after surgery and treatment is excellent,” Kildee said, adding that he’ll be away from Congress “for a period of time.”
Kildee is in his sixth term in office, currently serving as a member of the House Ways and Means and Budget committees in the House. Prior to switching to the Eighth District due to redistricting, he served as the representative for Michigan’s Fifth District from 2013 until 2023.
Netizens showered the Democratic lawmaker with support following his announcement, with many wishing him a successful procedure and speedy recovery.
“I’m so sorry to hear the news of your health challenge,” one Twitter user wrote. “Be strong and lean on your friends and family for support. You can win this battle! Holding you up in prayer for a quick and productive journey back to excellent health.”
“Early detection matters, the great thing is you listened to your body, now you’re on the path to surgery then recovery, take it easy, be safe,” another user tweeted.
Kildee is one of several members of Congress to reveal they are battling cancer in recent months. Democratic Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin was diagnosed with lymphoma in December, while Democratic Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey underwent surgery for prostate cancer in February.
