St. Paul, MN – In a press conference with reporters Tuesday, Governor Mark Dayton announced he has prostate cancer.
The two-term governor will be 70 years old on Thursday and is not planning to run for reelection in 2018. He told reporters that he plans to finish his second term in office.
KARE 11 reports:
Dayton says doctors at the Mayo Clinic detected elevated PSA levels during his routine yearly physical two weeks ago. A tumor was detected, and a biopsy done last Wednesday. The official diagnosis was made last Friday, and Dayton says there are no signs that the cancer has progressed past the prostate. He will travel to the Mayo next week to determine the best course of action, which could include surgery, radiation or both.
“Give myself, give my family, give Minnesotans the assurance I’m functioning normally, which I do believe I am,” he said of the tests and treatment he will undergo next week. “I don’t expect it (the cancer) to impede my performance or responsibilities, but I’ll know more next week.”
Doctors have told Dayton his cancer is very treatable, and Dayton credits early detection as potentially saving his life.
The announcement came after Dayton collapsed during his State of the State address to lawmakers at the capitol Monday night. As Alpha News reported, “Dayton paused his speech to take a sip of water before slurring his words and passing out on the lectern.
Reports from those in attendance say that Dayton was able to walk out of the chamber with assistance after a few minutes.”
According to KARE 11, Dayton told reporters that the two issues were unrelated. “I believe they’re two separate issues. I’m not a doctor but I don’t believe there’s any connection.”
Andrea Mayer-Bruestle
Andrea Mayer-Bruestle is a former writer for Alpha News.
