House Majority Leader Steve Scalise Announces Cancer Diagnosis After 'A Few Days of Not Feeling Like Myself'
Rep. Steve Scalise, the No. 2-ranking House Republican, said Tuesday he has been diagnosed with a form of blood cancer known as multiple myeloma and is undergoing treatment.
Scalise, 57, said he will continue to serve in the House.
He described the cancer as “very treatable” and said it was detected early.
The Louisiana Republican was among several people wounded in 2017 when a rifle-wielding leftist fired on lawmakers on a baseball field in Alexandria, Virginia, outside Washington.
Scalise was shot in the hip and endured lengthy hospitalizations, multiple surgeries and painful rehabilitation.
The House majority leader said the cancer diagnosis came after he had not been feeling like himself in the past week.
Blood tests showed some irregularities, and after additional screening, he said, he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
“I have now begun treatment, which will continue for the next several months,” Scalise said in a statement. “I expect to work through this period and intend to return to Washington, continuing my work as Majority Leader and serving the people of Louisiana’s First Congressional District.”
After a few days of not feeling like myself this past week, I had some blood work done. The results uncovered some irregularities and after undergoing additional tests, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a very treatable blood cancer.
I have now begun treatment, which will…
— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) August 29, 2023
The congressman also thanked his medical team and said he was “incredibly grateful we were able to detect this early and that this cancer is treatable.”
“I will tackle this with the same strength and energy as I have tackled past challenges,” Scalise said.
Many colleagues wished him well on social media.
My friend @SteveScalise has always been a fighter and I know cancer doesn’t stand a chance. Leader Scalise and his family are in my prayers and this entire Congress stands behind him as he begins treatment. https://t.co/q5CBJpV370
— Rep. James Comer (@RepJamesComer) August 29, 2023
.@SteveScalise is a fighter, and we’ve all got his back as he begins treatment. I’m praying for my friend Steve, the Scalise family, and his team. https://t.co/wzbthShn11
— Burgess Owens (@BurgessOwens) August 29, 2023
Please join me in praying for my friend Leader Steve Scalise and his family. Steve is a proven fighter and I am confident he will persevere. Today and every day we are #TeamScalise. https://t.co/m2MvamaygF
— Rep. Andy Barr (@RepAndyBarr) August 29, 2023
Prayers up – God bless, you @SteveScalise. #BeatCancer https://t.co/I9PBgi9wGq
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) August 29, 2023
Scalise is in his ninth term in the House.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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