HARRISBURG -- Governor Tom Wolf has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The governor said it's a treatable form of the disease.
Governor Wolf and his wife Frances sat down in Harrisburg to share something very personal with Pennsylvanians: he has prostate cancer.
"I'm convinced by the people who have looked at this, and others who have looked at this, that I caught it early on and it's very eminently treatable," said the governor.
Wolf, 67, in the middle of a contentious budget battle in Pennsylvania, but he says his battle against this cancer will not interfere with his ability to be governor. He said we may not see him for a short time surrounding his treatment but that's going to be routine vacation time.
The Wolfs are optimistic.
"I think we have great courage and feel alright. We're more than hopeful," said First Lady Frances Wolf.
"Prostate cancer is something older men get," said the governor with a smile. "A lot of older men die with prostate cancer; not many die of it. So it has the unfortunate moniker of cancer, but it's a slow-moving disease and detected early it is something you can do something about."
"That's actually a very true statement," said Dr. Anthony Wylie, Geisinger Health System.
We talked with Dr. Wylie about a prostate cancer diagnosis. He says the governor should be able to do his job as normal while going through treatment. Most prostate cancer patients do.
"If it's caught early, most people are going to work and doing their normal routines without any adverse effects."
Dr. Wylie appreciates the governor drawing attention to prostate cancer and the need for screenings.
"Once you're about 45 or so, it's really important for you to have a discussion with us as far as should you be screened, how often should be screened, what those risk factors are. Because if it's caught early, extremely treatable."
The Wolfs are grateful the governor did just that.
"Whoever you are, whatever the problem is, regular checkups really do matter," added Gov. Wolf.
There are a variety of treatments for prostate cancer, but the governor didn't want to discuss his specific treatment, except to say it isn't chemo therapy.
He said his treatment will start in the coming weeks and should last a few months.
The governor's office released the following statement:
“Frances and I recently learned I have prostate cancer that was thankfully detected early. 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. Those treatments will last the next several months, but they will present no impairment to my ability to perform my duties as governor. Prior to beginning treatment, I will take a brief time to spend with my family. 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. 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.” - Governor Tom Wolf
