Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democrat from Texas, has revealed that she has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
“My doctors have confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer,” Rep. Jackson Lee, 74, said in a statement on Sunday night. “I am currently undergoing treatment for this disease that affects tens of thousands of Americans every year.”
Due to her treatments, Jackson Lee said she might miss some legislative votes but remains “committed” to working with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on important legislation for the American people.
“I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease,” Jackson Lee said. “The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me.”
According to the National Cancer Institute, non-Hispanic Black people are more likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It is the 10th most common form of cancer, affecting 1.7% of people in their lifetime. The average age of diagnosis is 70.
Jackson Lee, who represents Texas’ 18th District, which includes parts of Houston, recently won a primary election to keep her seat after losing a bid for mayor last year.
She has served in Congress for about 30 years and is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Recently, she reintroduced the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in May.
Jackson Lee serves on the House’s Judiciary and Homeland Security committees and is an advocate for public education. She called for an investigation into the takeover of Houston’s Independent School District, suggesting it might be based on race and could have widespread impacts.
“This is not helping our families,” Jackson Lee told ABC News in March, noting that Houston public school teachers were quitting. “It’s not helping our children. That’s our number one priority. I will work with them until we bring back an elected board and governance that includes input from our parents and teachers, so they can do what is best for our children’s well-being,” she added.