House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) announced Tuesday he was diagnosed with blood cancer.

In a statement, Scalise said it’s a “very treatable” form of cancer.

“After a few days of not feeling like myself this past week, I had some blood work done. The results uncovered some irregularities and after undergoing additional tests, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a very treatable blood cancer,” Scalise said Tuesday.

“I have now begun treatment, which will continue for the next several months. I expect to work through this period and intend to return to Washington, continuing my work as Majority Leader and serving the people of Louisiana’s First Congressional District,” he continued.

“I am incredibly grateful we were able to detect this early and that this cancer is treatable. 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,” he added.

“I join with so many others in prayer for Steve Scalise and his family. The same faith, family support, and internal strength that made Steve such an inspiration to others after he was shot, will bring him through this illness and once more inspire us all,” Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) said.

“Scalise was gravely wounded in a mass shooting at a congressional baseball practice in 2017. He was shot in the hip and the bullet ruptured several organs, which required multiple operations. His injuries took him away from the House floor for three months and he continues to walk with a limp,” NBC News noted.

“Steve Scalise is a dear friend, and anyone who knows him knows he’s a faith-filled fighter who can overcome any obstacle that stands in his way. I spoke with him today and he’s in good spirits, as nothing—not a gunshot and certainly not cancer—will stop him from accomplishing what he sets his mind to,” Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said.

As House Majority Leader, Scalise is the number-two Republican in the House of Representatives.

BBC noted:

Mr Scalise was elected to the US Congress in 2008 and has steadily risen through the ranks of Republican leadership.

He is currently right-hand man to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and his job is to keep the chamber’s conservative majority in line.

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