Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, for which he will undergo surgery on Monday at a hospital in Washington.
Doctors found the cancer early on during a routine check-up. Nelson had no symptoms, and extensive scans confirmed that the cancer had not spread outside the prostate, according to a statement released by the senator's office, CNN reported.
The 72-year-old Democrat from Orlando said the diagnosis would not affect his future campaign plans in any way, adding that he still expects to run for re-election in 2018.
"I've been blessed with good health, which has allowed me the great privilege of public service, and I look forward to continuing serving the country and Florida," Nelson said.
Nelson is currently in his third term in the senate and is the only Democrat that holds statewide elective office in Florida, according to USA Today. The Florida senator is also the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce, Science as well as the Transportation Committee, where he has campaigned for issues like highway funding, the environment and the space program.
