Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced Wednesday he has treatable prostate cancer, adding that his treatment schedule should not keep him from his gubernatorial duties.
“My doctors made the diagnosis after a regular checkup revealed abnormalities. In consultation with my doctors, I have a planned treatment schedule that will begin in the coming weeks,” Wolf, 67, said in a statement. “Those treatments will last the next several months, but they will present no impairment to my ability to perform my duties as governor.”
“I am very thankful that my doctors caught this cancer quickly and have worked with me to plan a treatment schedule that will address my medical issues and allow me to serve the people of Pennsylvania,” said Wolf, a Democrat.
“I encourage everyone in Pennsylvania to make sure they schedule regular checkups with their doctors and be aware of screening guidelines so early detection and treatment can be possible,” he said.
Speaking at a Wednesday morning press conference, Wolf said he will spend some time with his family before beginning treatment.
“I haven’t had a vacation yet since I’ve been governor,” he said.
The treatment should last for several months and will begin within the next several weeks.
Wolf said at the press conference he was going public with his diagnosis to serve as an example of the value of routine checkups.
He does not know much about the treatment, but said it is not of major concern.
“It’s minor and I don’t have all the details. It’s not emergency surgery. It’s not emergency treatment,” Wolf said.
Frances Wolf, the governor’s wife, said she and her family are “more than hopeful” about the outcome.
“Of course, I was concerned when I first heard,” she said at the press conference. “Being reassured by the physicians that it was early and treatable and a really good prognosis, I think we have great courage and feel all right. I feel more than hopeful.”