MI Rep. Dan Kildee Says He Has Cancer

MICHIGAN — Michigan Congressman Dan Kildee said Friday that he has been "diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a serious but curable form of cancer."

The Flint area representative said a "very small tumor" was found in one of his tonsils and he will undergo surgery "to remove the cancer" in a few weeks, Kildee said in a statement.

"Thankfully, I caught it very early. With early detection and great doctors, they found a very small tumor in one of my tonsils. It’s never easy to hear the words you have cancer. But I know that so many other families have gone through a cancer diagnosis," Kildee said in a video posted to Facebook.

Kildee said he plans to undergo surgery to remove the cancer in the next few weeks. He said he'll be away from the U.S. House of Representatives while he recovers, which doctors estimate to be roughly a few weeks.

The six-term Congressman was elected to the House in 2013, taking over a seat previously held by his uncle Dale Kildee.

"I am going to get through this. I’m going to beat cancer. I appreciate the love of my family and wife Jennifer, as well as the help of my extraordinary staff. And to my constituents and my colleagues in Congress, thank you for your continued support," Kildee said.