Michigan Rep. Dan Kildee revealed on Friday that he has been diagnosed with cancer in his tonsil.
Kildee, 64, announced in a statement that he was diagnosed with a “serious but curable form of cancer” and will soon undergo surgery to remove the cancer.
🚨BREAKING🚨
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) March 31, 2023
Democratic Michigan Rep. Dan Kildee has been diagnosed with cancer https://t.co/fXKvNv3UVw
“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,” he added.
The Democratic lawmaker 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 a member of the House Ways and Means and Budget committees in the House, where he is currently serving his sixth term in Congress. 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 poured the Michigan native with support following his announcement, with many wishing him a successful procedure and speedy recovery.
“Sending strength and light for your speedy recovery,” one Twitter user wrote. “You’re a gift to all of us – especially those [sic] in NJ where you helped launch our growing land bank movement – and we are [sic] rooting for you!”
“I’m not a constituent but have long admired how you always fight for what’s right,” tweeted another. “I know you’ll fight this cancer in the same way and am positive you’ll win this battle.”
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 Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro underwent surgery to remove cancerous tumors in his GI tract in February.
