Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., said Tuesday he has been diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer known as multiple myeloma and is undergoing treatment. Scalise serves as the House Majority Leader, the chamber’s No. 2 Republican behind only the House speaker.
“I am incredibly grateful we were able to detect this early and that this cancer is treatable,” Scalise said in a press release.
Multiple myeloma affects plasma cells, a kind of white blood cell useful for immunity against bacterial infections. The American Cancer society expects only about 35,730 cases to be diagnosed nationwide this year, the organization told the BBC.
Scalise commissioned some blood work “after a few days of not feeling like myself this past week.”
“The results uncovered some irregularities and after undergoing additional tests, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a very treatable blood cancer,” Scalise added, thanking his medical team.
“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.”
Scalise has served in Congress since 2008, and he achieved national attention in 2017 amid the left-wing terror attack at that year’s congressional baseball game.
At the time, a far-Left rifle-wielding terrorist tried to slaughter Republican lawmakers on a baseball field in Alexandria, Virginia, outside Washington. Scalise was shot in the hip and endured lengthy hospitalizations, multiple surgeries, and painful rehabilitation.
“I will tackle this with the same strength and energy as I have tackled past challenges,” Scalise said in his statement regarding the blood cancer.
Colleagues in the House and members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation offered Scalise and his family their encouragement in response to the announcement, some recalling his determination following the 2017 shooting.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said Tuesday, “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.”
McCarthy even called Scalise “the Legend from Louisiana.”
Take a look —
.@SteveScalise 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…
— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) August 29, 2023
I join with so many others in prayer for @SteveScalise 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.
— U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@SenBillCassidy) August 29, 2023
The Horn editorial team and the Associated Press contributed to this article