B.C. Premier John Horgan to have surgery after discovering growth in throat
CBC
B.C. Premier John Horgan has announced he will undergo surgery on Friday after discovering a "lump" in his throat.
The premier made the announcement during a news conference on Thursday, saying he's been told his condition is treatable and that he "will not be stepping away" from his role as premier.
"I am confident that I will have a complete recovery," said Horgan, 62.
The premier said he has appointed Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth as deputy premier as a precaution, in case he needs help with his duties.
Horgan said he first felt the lump in his throat several months ago and has been in and out of hospital for testing in recent weeks. Those tests confirmed a benign growth on his throat and the need for a biopsy on Friday.
"The biopsy surgery tomorrow will reveal what exactly we're dealing with," he said. "The issue in respect to my neck is benign, but in the investigation of that initial concern of mine, another concern was discovered, and that's what we're dealing with tomorrow.
"It is certainly treatable, as I've been told."
He said he expects the pathology report to come back Friday evening, after which point he and his medical team will create a treatment plan.
Horgan was previously diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2008. He was declared cancer-free after treatment.
"It's important, I think, for people to understand that this isn't the first time I've experienced a health issue like this, and it's the extraordinary efforts of our public health-care system that gives me complete confidence that all will be well for me," he said.
"For those of you out there who do have concerns about this or that, don't wait. See a doctor."
More to come