Rep. Hinchey has ‘treatable’ colon cancer

Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.) announced Friday that he has a treatable form of colon cancer.

The 10-term lawmaker is receiving radiation treatment at Ulster Radiation Oncology Center in Kingston, N.Y., according a statement from his office.

{mosads}He is scheduled for surgery in June and will then undergo chemotherapy.

Dr. Randall Rissman, who is overseeing Hinchey’s treatment, said the cancer was “curable” and expressed optimism that Hinchey would make a full recovery.

“This is a curable form of colon cancer.  I expect Mr. Hinchey to respond extremely well to the course of treatment we’ve developed for him and that he’ll make a full recovery,” Rissman said. “Mr. Hinchey will be able to maintain a full congressional schedule while he undergoes treatment.  I also fully expect his surgery to be straightforward and have complete confidence that Mr. Hinchey will make a full recovery and be cancer-free.”

Hinchey plans to commute from New York and continue to vote on legislation throughout the treatment process.