Sarah Huckabee Sanders discloses surgery for thyroid cancer

Arkansas gubernatorial candidate Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement Friday (Sept. 16) that she had surgery earlier in the day to remove “an area of concern” in her neck that was identified as thyroid cancer.

Sanders’ statement said:

“During a check-up earlier this month, my doctor ordered a biopsy on an area of concern in my neck and the test revealed that I had thyroid cancer. Today, I underwent a successful surgery to remove my thyroid and surrounding lymph nodes and by the grace of God I am now cancer-free. I want to thank the Arkansas doctors and nurses for their world-class care, as well as my family and friends for their love, prayers, and support. I look forward to returning to the campaign trail soon. This experience has been a reminder that whatever battle you may be facing, don’t lose heart. As governor, I will never quit fighting for the people of our great state.”

She also released a statement from her doctor, Dr. John Sims, a surgeon at CARTI Cancer Center in Little Rock:

“Sarah is currently recovering from surgery in which we removed her thyroid gland and some of the surrounding lymph nodes in her neck. The surgery went extremely well, and I expect her to be back on her feet even within the next 24 hours. This is a Stage I papillary thyroid carcinoma which is the most common type of thyroid cancer and has an excellent prognosis. While she will need adjuvant treatment with radioactive iodine, as well as continued long term follow up, I think it’s fair to say she’s now cancer free, and I don’t anticipate any of this slowing her down.”

Sanders, a Republican, faces Democratic nominee Chris Jones and Libertarian Ricky Dale Harrington, Jr.

Jones issued this statement on behalf of his family:
“Our hearts go out to you, Sarah. Our family is thinking of you and praying for you and your family. It’s truly a blessing that you caught this cancer early and were able to receive world-class treatment so quickly. From one family of Arkansans to another, we send you hope, love, and healing.

“Our family has been on this journey before and, while it’s not easy, we know personally the power of prayer, the healing hand of God, and the strength that comes from being surrounded by community. May you have an abundance of all in this season. We wish you a successful recovery. God bless.”

Harrington issued this statement:
“I pray for Mrs Huckabee Sanders’ speedy recovery and that she remains cancer free.”