House Majority Leader Steve Scalise Diagnosed with 'Very Treatable’ Blood Cancer

The high-ranking House Republican — who narrowly survived a shooting at a Congressional Baseball Game practice in 2017 — said he plans to continue working throughout his treatment

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise announced Tuesday that he has been "diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a very treatable blood cancer," and plans to keep working while he is treated.

"After a few days of not feeling like myself this past week, I had some blood work done," Scalise, 57, posted on X Tuesday. "The results uncovered some irregularities and after undergoing additional tests, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a very treatable blood cancer."

He continued: "I have now begun treatment, which will continue for the next several months. I expect to work through this period and intend to return to Washington, continuing my work as Majority Leader and serving the people of Louisiana’s First Congressional District."

"I am incredibly grateful we were able to detect this early and that this cancer is treatable," Scalise, a New Orleans representative, added. "I am thankful for my excellent medical team, and with the help of God, support of my family, friends, colleagues, and constituents, I will tackle this with the same strength and energy as I have tackled past challenges."

According to E. Anders Kolb, MD, president and CEO of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, multiple myeloma "is a blood cancer that affects a person’s plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow."

"Healthy plasma cells produce antibodies, which help fight infection," Kolb says. "Unfortunately, if left untreated, myeloma cells can multiply and continue to grow in a person’s bone marrow. When left untreated, these cancer cells can limit the body’s ability to fight infection, cause kidney damage and lead to bone pain and debilitating fractures."

Kolb adds that the disease "is treatable if detected early enough. Over the years, countless treatment advances have proven effective in reducing symptoms, slowing disease progression and prolonging life while preserving a patient’s quality of life.”

Related: Steve Scalise Reveals He's 'Struggling' to Forgive the Shooter Who Almost Killed Him 2 Years Ago

In 2017, Scalise spent several months in recovery after he was shot and nearly killed while practicing for a charity GOP baseball game. He now plays an integral role in scheduling on the House floor and keeping the conference on the same page while facing a narrow majority.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.