Takai to Undergo Surgery for Cancerous Tumor

By Hannah Hess

Posted November 3, 2015 at 9:40pm

Freshman Rep. Mark Takai will undergo surgery next week to remove a small, cancerous tumor in his pancreas. In an effort to keep his Hawaiian constituents updated, the Democratic congressman announced Tuesday evening that he has scheduled the Nov. 10 procedure at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. Takai’s doctors discovered the tumor last week when they conducted diagnostic tests in response to certain stomach pains and discomfort the freshman congressman had been experiencing for several weeks.

“All tests show that the tumor is small and isolated. I am in good spirits and thankful that my prognosis remains good thanks to the early detection,” Takai, 48, said in a statement. “My family and I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, support and prayers. We ask for your continued prayers, support and respect for our privacy during this challenging time.”