Governor Bill Walker announced today(Friday) that he has been diagnosed with a treatable form of prostate cancer.
During a press conference in Anchorage Friday afternoon he reassured Alaskans that the diagnosis will not affect his duties as governor.
Gov. Walker: “There was not a symptom that caused me to be tested, it was just time to be tested, so I’m feeling fine, I’ve got a full plate of things to do.”
His family was by his side as he told Alaskans that he battled with the choice to go public about the very personal issue.
Walker says he reached out to Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf who was diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer earlier this year and who advised about how to deal with it.
Gov. Walker: “Just own it, and he said the good thing is that you can help other people that have not been tested that should be.”
The governor says he doesn’t see any reason why his duties will need to be handed over to Lt. Governor Byron Mallott in December when his surgery is scheduled.
Gov. Walker: “Surgery will be three hours. The next day I could return, or some say I could return to work the next day, some say I shouldn’t, I probably won’t.”
He clarified that under Alaska’s Constitution, the governor’s duties are to be fulfilled by the Lt. Governor at any time that the governor is unreachable.
U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan released the following statement regarding Governor Bill Walker’s announcement that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Governor Bill Walker and his family during this difficult time. Governor Walker has long been a fighter, and I’m sure he will bring the same unwavering spirit to this battle and will have a speedy recovery. I appreciate that the governor brought this issue to the attention of Alaskans. We should all heed his advice and take the time to have regular check-ups.”
Original Story:
His office released the following statement from the governor in reference to the public announcement:
“Donna and I recently learned that I have prostate cancer. As my doctor has advised, I will have surgery in December to remove the cancer. It is anticipated I will need no further treatment post-surgery. This diagnosis has not and will not impair my ability to perform my duties as governor. I want to emphasize that I had no symptoms, and it was only through a regular checkup that this diagnosis was made. I urge all Alaskans to make sure they schedule regular checkups so that early detection and treatment of health issues are possible.”