U.S. Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee (D-TX) has announced that she has been diagnosed with cancer. 

The congresswoman made the announcement in a press statement that she released on Sunday, June 2, 2024. It can be read in its entirety here.

According to Jackson Lee, her doctors have diagnosed her with pancreatic cancer. She did not provide further details, such as the stage of the cancer.

Pancreatic cancer, according to Cancer.org, does tend to be one of the more deadly cancers. But, Jackson Lee, in her statement, has expressed a lot of optimism about her particular case.

"My doctors have confirmed..."

Jackson Lee began her statement by saying that she plans to "fight" her cancer with the same "faith" and "courage" that she has exhibited as a member of Congress.

Then, she revealed her diagnosis, saying, "My doctors have confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer."

Regarding treatment, she said, "I am currently undergoing treatment to battle this disease that impacts tens of thousands of Americans every year. I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease."

The congresswoman, however, added, "The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me."

Jackson Lee concluded with a message for her constituents, writing, "As I pursue my treatments, it is likely that I will be occasionally absent from Congress, but rest assured my office will continue to deliver the vital constituent services that you deserve and expect." In other words, it appears that has no plans to step down.

Background

Fox News reports that this is not the first time that Jackson Lee has had a run-in with cancer.

"Jackson Lee previously battled breast cancer, having been diagnosed in 2011 before announcing the following year she was cancer-free," the outlet writes.

The congresswoman has been representing Texas' 18th congressional district for the past 30 years. Just last year, she attempted to become the mayor of Houston, Texas, but she ended up losing by a rather wide margin, prompting her to seek reelection in the U.S. House of Representatives.

During her time in Congress, Jackson Lee has found herself at the center of numerous scandals.

Just last year, Fox26 reported, "Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, was recently heard on recorded audio going off on one of her staff members in a profanity-laced tirade in which she said he and another staff member had no brains and are "f***-ups."