BETHLEHEM, Pa. — U.S. Sen. Bob Casey announced Thursday he has prostate cancer. The Democrat from Pennsylvania says the diagnosis came last month.
“I can report that I have an excellent prognosis, as well as the benefit of exceptional medical care and the unwavering support of my family,” Casey, 62, said in his statement.
Dr. Heidar Albandar, an oncologist with St. Luke’s University Health Network, said that although prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States after lung cancer, with an early diagnosis it’s very treatable.
- U.S. Sen. Bob Casey has prostate cancer
- A Lehigh Valley oncologist says his prognosis looks good
- Casey will have surgery to treat the cancer
“Generally, this is a cancer that's detected in middle aged men, or older," Albandar said. "In general, 73 percent of cases are diagnosed in the early stage, and as a result, it's very reassuring that most patients will be detected before it's spread outside of the prostate.”
In the statement, Casey stated he will have surgery to remove his prostate.
Albandar said that's an effective treatment.
"Generally, it's going to be offered to somebody that's generally healthy, has more than 10 years to live, and would not be something that you offer to somebody that doesn't have as many years to live their life expectancy,” Albandar said.
“Overall, prostate cancer is very treatable, high rates of cure, and we wish Senator Casey all the very best and everyone else's diagnosed with this cancer,” Albandar said.
“In general, 73% of cases are diagnosed in the early stage and as a result it's very reassuring that most patients will be detected before it's spread outside of the prostate.”Dr. Heidar Albandar, oncologist, St. Luke’s University Health Network
Casey is expected to make a full recovery while continuing to serve his time as a member of congress, though there is no indication of what stage of the disease he has.
Casey's father, former governor Robert Casey, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1997 and underwent radiation treatment. The elder Casey died in 2000.
Casey released the following statement regarding his health:
“Last month, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. While this news came as a shock, I can report that I have an excellent prognosis, as well as the benefit of exceptional medical care and the unwavering support of my family.
"In the coming months I will undergo surgery, after which I am expected to make a full recovery. I am confident that my recommended course of treatment will allow me to continue my service in the 118th Congress with minimal disruption, and I look forward to the work ahead.”
Kat Dickey contributed to this report.
