On Tuesday, House Majority Leader and Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise announced that he has been diagnosed with what he called a “very treatable blood cancer.”
The No. 2 House Republican shared the news in a statement, saying that he has already started receiving treatment for the cancer.
“After a few days of not feeling like myself this past week, I had some blood work done,” Scalise said in the statement. “The results uncovered some irregularities, and after undergoing additional tests, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a very treatable blood cancer.”
Scalise said that he doesn’t expect to miss work, as he is still planning on returning to Washington when Congress reconvenes from its August break. However, he did share that his treatment will continue for the next several months.
“I am incredibly grateful we were able to detect this early and that this cancer is treatable,” Scalise said. “I am thankful for my excellent medical team, and with the help of God, support of my family, friends, colleagues, and constituents, I will tackle this with the same strength and energy as I have tackled past challenges.”
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said on Tuesday that he had spoken with Scalise, saying he was “in good spirits, as nothing — not a gunshot and certainly not cancer — will stop him from accomplishing what he sets his mind to.”
Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) shared his support for his colleague across the aisle.
“I know your courage and resilience will lead you through this battle with strength, and I will be here to support you throughout your recovery,” Hoyer wrote on social media.
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 35,000 people will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma a year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared that the typical age group diagnosed with the disease is those 45 and older.
Scalise has served Louisiana’s 1st Congressional District since 2008. He has been the majority leader of House Republicans since the 2022 midterms when the GOP regained control of the House.
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