North Carolina GOP Sen. Tillis says he has prostate cancer, will undergo surgery next week

North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis announced Monday that he has prostate cancer and will be have surgery next week.

Tillis, a Republican lawmaker reelected in 2020, said he expects "to make a full recovery," according to CNN. 

"Next week, I will have surgery in North Carolina to treat prostate cancer," the 60-year-old Tillis said. "I am in the hands of outstanding medical professionals and expect to make a full recovery."

Tillis suggested the cancer was detected during routine a screening.

"I am blessed that my cancer was detected relatively early, and I can't emphasize enough how important routine screenings are, regardless of how healthy you think you are," he said in a statement.