Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey Jr. speaks out after being diagnosed with prostate cancer
WASHINGTON D.C. - Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey Jr. is speaking out after being diagnosed with cancer.
According to Casey, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer last month.
UNITED STATES - DECEMBER 14: Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., introduces Dr. Amy Gutmann, nominee to be U.S. ambassador to Germany, during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing in Dirksen Building on Tuesday, December 14, 2021. (Photo By To
"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," he said.
Casey says he will undergo surgery in the coming months and is expected to make a full recovery.
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"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."
Dr. Mike Cirigliano says family history definitely plays a role and Casey’s father, the late Governor Bob Casey, also had prostate cancer. Dr. Mike says catching it early is key and that is why it’s critical to get a digital rectal exam and a PSA, a prostate-specific blood test.
"A lot of men shy away from this. A lot of men just don’t want to be bothered," Dr. Mike explained. "They can save lives. They can get an early diagnosis and get you back in shape without too much of a significant problem."
Dr. Mike generally recommends getting test at 40 years old. Symptoms include an enlarged prostate and difficulty urinating. Dr. Mike says some men don’t have any symptoms, another reason why getting tested is so important.
"He’s gonna be okay. It was caught early and he’ll be back in business shortly," Dr. Mike added. "We have a thing like robotic surgery, that’s probably what the senator is gonna have. I’m telling you, they get people in and out in a day or so. It’s remarkable. It’s absolutely remarkable."