WASHINGTON — Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., revealed on Thursday that over the past several months she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and underwent successful treatment to combat it.
In a post on Medium, Klobuchar wrote that doctors diagnosed her with stage 1A cancer after a biopsy in the spring. After other tests, she underwent a lumpectomy to remove a tumor in her right breast. In May, she began radiation therapy.
"Of course this has been scary at times, since cancer is the word all of us fear, but at this point my doctors believe that my chances of developing cancer again are no greater than the average person," Klobuchar wrote.
The Minnesota Democrat chairs the Senate Rules Committee and has become an influential voice in the Democratic Party after her 2020 presidential campaign.
She was treated at the Mayo Clinic and Piper Breast Center in Minneapolis and thanked her doctors and family for the support she received in a difficult time.
"Their support allowed me to continue my work with my colleagues on major pandemic and economic legislation, as well as chairing the joint Senate January 6th investigation and the For the People hearings while undergoing cancer treatment," she wrote.
The senator also stressed the importance of regular screening and health checkups.
"I also want to call attention to the fact that many people have been delaying physicals and routine examinations because of the pandemic. I know that because I delayed mine," the senator also wrote. "It’s easy to put off health screenings, just like I did. But I hope my experience is a reminder for everyone of the value of routine health checkups, exams, and follow-through."
Many Americans have missed regularly scheduled doctor's appointments amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a survey from last year.
"Like often happens with anyone dealing with illness, this experience gave me time to reflect on my own life and those I love. It also gave me renewed purpose to my work," Klobuchar wrote. "I have immense gratitude for my family, friends, colleagues, and the people of Minnesota, and I know that each day is a gift."
Follow Matthew Brown online @mrbrownsir.
