BRUNSWICK

U.S. Sen. Angus King, IMaine, announced Monday morning plans to undergo surgery for prostate cancer.

“It’s a story we hear again and again — early detection saves lives. In this case, the story is mine. Not once, but twice,” said Sen. King in a statement posted online.

King said he will have surgery at the end of the week to remove the cancer.

King credited early detection conducted during an annual checkup for putting him “on the path to wellness” and said he plans for a full recovery. He added that he plans to be back on the Senate floor in a couple of weeks and that he also plans to run for re-election at the end of his term in three years.

“Let’s face it, cancer is a scary word to hear,” King said. “So it might seem unusual to say this, but today, I actually feel pretty fortunate. The fact is, millions of Americans bravely and quietly fight more aggressive cancers than mine every day. Many of them do so in the face of great financial hardship and without the support of their friends and family. I cannot imagine the strength it must take to carry on against that kind of adversity.”

Prostate cancer is a common disease affecting the male prostate gland. According to King’s office, the American Cancer Society reports prostate cancer is so prevalent that about one in every seven men will have a prostate cancer diagnosis during his lifetime. Most prostate cancers are slow growing; and with early detection, they can be eradicated with surgery or radiation. Surgery for prostate cancer is a common treatment for the disease and, in most cases, has few side effects.

King said he had experienced no symptoms or signs of the disease, but a routine medical exam in April revealed some abnormali- ties in his bloodwork indicating possible prostate cancer. Shortly after, a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. A series of body scans over the last month showed no sign of spread outside of the prostate area, substantially improving the prognosis for successful treatment, according to the statement.

King said one of his first calls upon learning of the diagnosis was to his brotherin law and close friend, John Herman, a senior member of the medical staff at Massachusetts

General Hospital in Boston. Herman arranged consultations with urological oncologist specialists who are now directing King’s treatment.

Dr. Douglas Dahl will perform the surgery this Friday at Mass General.

King requested the first day of the July 4th congressional recess to minimize his absence from Washington.

“I’m looking forward to a full recovery and to continuing my service in the Senate,” said Sen. King. “And no, this does not affect my intention to run for re-election, except my poor little prostate won’t be along for the ride.”

His family was informed in May and his staff was informed Monday morning.

This is not the first time King has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, having survived a fight with malignant melanoma, which is unrelated to his prostate cancer.

“Forty years ago, as a young man, a routine screening found an aggressive form of skin cancer. And, thanks to the doctors who caught it early, and my health insurance, I was cancer free within months,” King said.