Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democrat who represents Texas’ 18th Congressional District, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she announced in a statement Sunday evening.
“My doctors confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer,” Jackson Lee said. “I am currently undergoing treatment to combat this disease that affects tens of thousands of Americans each year.”
The 74-year-old said the treatment would mean she would likely be “occasionally absent from Congress” but said she would work with congressional leaders “to serve this nation and be present for votes on critical legislation to prosperity and security. of the American people. »
Jackson Lee’s district includes parts of Houston and she has been its representative for nearly 30 years. She ran unsuccessfully for city mayor last year, but lost to Sen. John Whitmire, also a Democrat. She faced a major challenge for her congressional seat this year, but won that contest easily.
Jackson Lee did not provide details on the severity of the cancer or what treatment she will receive. Pancreatic cancer It is not often found in the early stages and tends not to show symptoms until late stages, according to the Mayo Clinic.
More than a decade ago, in 2012, Jackson Lee revealed that she underwent treatment for breast cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, and made a full recovery.