House Majority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) announced Wednesday morning that he has been diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer.

The 53-year-old lawmaker, whose prostate condition was discovered during a routine screening, had a kidney and a cancerous tumor removed last year. His doctors do not believe his prostate condition is related to his previous cancer, according to a statement issued by his office.

Blunt will have his prostate removed during the August recess at Bethesda Naval Medical Center by Drs. Stephen Jackman and Joseph Costa, the same two physicians who operated on him last year.

“I have been extremely lucky to have excellent doctors in Springfield [Mo.] and Washington who have encouraged me to have regular check-ups and screenings,” Blunt said. “Both cancers were caught early and appear to have been easily treatable because of early detection. I can’t stress enough how important regular and routine checkups are. It, in all likelihood, saved my life, and could save yours.”

Blunt informed his colleagues of his condition Wednesday morning. According to the statement, Costa said Blunt would be able to return to work “shortly” after next month’s procedure.