Tillis to have surgery for prostate cancer

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) disclosed on Monday that he will have surgery next week for prostate cancer. 

“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,” Tillis said in a statement. 

Tillis, a 60-year-old senator who won his second term last year, said he had no previous symptoms but the cancer was detected during an annual physical. 

“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,” Tillis said.

“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,” he added. 

Tillis was one of nearly 20 Republicans who recently traveled to the border. His surgery will come amid a two-week recess for the Senate, with lawmakers not expected back in Washington until April 12.