B.C. Premier John Horgan has confirmed he has cancer and will begin radiation treatment over the next couple of weeks.
Horgan, 62, had surgery for a biopsy on his throat on Friday after discovering a lump.
“The pathology confirmed that the growth in my throat was cancerous,” Horgan said in a statement Thursday.
“My prognosis is good and I expect to make a full recovery.”
Horgan said in the next couple of weeks, he will need to start radiation treatment, which will conclude toward the end of December. Horgan said he will continue to participate virtually in briefings, cabinet meetings and other important meetings, including those of the Council of the Federation, which is made up of all provincial and territorial premiers.
Mike Farnworth, minister of public safety and solicitor general, will attend in-person meetings on behalf of the premier, after being appointed deputy premier last week when Horgan announced the biopsy.
“It’s the news that nobody wants to hear — it’s very concerning when you hear the word cancer,” Farnworth said in a media scrum. The premier, however, is upbeat and in good spirits and participated in caucus Thursday morning by Zoom and in cabinet Wednesday, he said. “He’s looking on getting on with the treatment and back to the legislature as soon as possible,” said Farnworth.
B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix said he has spoken to the premier about his health challenges.
“He is, of course, determined and positive and thoughtful, and as someone who has dealt with cancer and survived before, he understands the challenges but also he’s engaging with real optimism,” Dix said.
Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin said cancer touches the lives of many British Columbians “and I applaud the premier for his candid sharing of what the process can look like.” Austin said in a statement the province is rallying in support “for you and your family, and for your treatment and subsequent recovery.”
Horgan, who was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2008, thanked everyone for their support, which “gives me strength and humbles me.”
“I look forward to being back in the legislature and travelling in the new year,” he said.
ceharnett@timescolonist.com
