Senator Thom Tillis diagnosed with prostate cancer

Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and will have surgery in the upcoming week.

“Next week, I will have surgery in North Carolina to treat prostate cancer. I am in the hands of outstanding medical professionals and expect to make a full recovery,” said Tillis.

Tillis, a 60-year-old member of Congress won a second six-year term in November after a drawn-out battle against leading Democrat Cal Cunningham. Tillis was elected to the NC House of Representatives in 2006 and speaker in 2011. He went on to the US Senate in 2014 defeating Democratic incumbent Kay Hagan.

“I am blessed that my cancer was detected relatively early, and I can’t emphasize enough how important routine screenings are, regardless of how healthy you think you are. I had no symptoms and would have never imagined I had cancer,” said Tillis.

Tillis tested positive for COVID-19 on October 2, 2020, after a White House event.

“My prognosis is good because I went to my annual physical and received a PSA test, which led to a biopsy and eventually my diagnosis. Early detection can truly save lives,” said Tillis.

The five and ten-year survival rate for people with prostate cancer is 98%. Tillis stressed the need for met to have regular prostate health screenings.