Federal NDP leader Jack Layton announced that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Layton confirmed the diagnosis with media at a news conference Friday. With his wife and fellow NDP MP, Olivia Chow, by his side Layton said he would remain in his position as the Toronto—Danforth riding MP and as the leader of his party.
Layton isn’t the first in his family to receive a prostate cancer diagnosis. His father, former Conservative cabinet minister Robert Layton, stepped down from his position in the House in 1993 after he was diagnosed.
Chow has also been diagnosed with and treated for Thyroid cancer.
"She won her battle and I’m going to win mine as well," Layton said. "Like my dad, I’m a fighter and I’m going to beat this."
Both area NDP members, Bruce Hyer (Thunder Bay – Superior North) and John Rafferty (Thunder Bay – Rainy River), sent their show of support to their leader shortly after the announcement.
"Jack Layton is a terrific leader and a great person who is going through an extremely difficult period," Rafferty said from Atikokan. "He knows that his New Democrat family and the Canadian public are behind him and I am certain his treatment will prove successful. We are fully behind him, and wish him the best."
Bruce Hyer was diagnosed in the summer with cancer of the lymph nodes. During his announcement of his diagnosis in the fall, Hyer said he had high hopes that he would be able to make a speedy recovery.
The area MP confirmed just before Christmas that doctors gave him a clean bill of health after two months of treatment.
"My personal experience with cancer last year has shown me that with treatment and support, it can be successfully overcome," Hyer said following Layton’s announcement. "It wasn’t easy, but I continued to work during my treatment period.
"I want to offer my support to Jack, and his family, as he does the same. I have never known anyone with more energy, determination and perseverance than our leader, qualities that will serve him well in the months ahead."