HOUSTON — Houston-area leaders are sharing their thoughts and prayers with U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee after she announced she's been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Jackson Lee, who represents the 18th Congressional District of Texas, announced Sunday night she's undergoing treatment.
"I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease. The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me," Jackson Lee said in a statement.
Fellow U.S. Rep. Al Green (TX-9) is among the many people who have voiced support for Jackson Lee.
"I believe that the fight in her will help her to, overcome this," he said. "I'm more than hopeful. I believe she will return. I believe she will be in the fight. I believe she'll be there to have a voice heard."
Houston Mayor John Whitmire released a statement saying, in part, "Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family."
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo shared a statement in support of Jackson Lee saying, in part, "I support her in taking the space she needs and I wish her and her family all the love and strength during her recovery."
Former Houston mayor Sylvester Turner sent KHOU 11 News a statement:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Congresswoman and her family. I know she will fight this cancer diagnosis with fierce determination and God’s amazing grace. In true Sheila Jackson Lee fashion, she will get the treatment she needs while still fighting and serving the people of the 18th Congressional District. She may miss a few votes and we may see her less, but I know when her district and nation need her, she will be there."
Doctors with the Baylor College of Medicine said more than 60,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year.
"It is now the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths. So, it is an aggressive type of cancer, but there are also many treatments," Dr. Shalini Makawita said.
Jackson Lee, who is 74, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and announced she was cancer-free in 2012.
Doctors said patients who are diagnosed with one form of cancer may be susceptible to other types of cancer later in life.
"There are certain genetic, conditions that folks may have that can predispose them for a second type of cancer in the future," Makawita said.
A late diagnosis requires treatments like chemotherapy, but early detection leads to the best chance at recovery, according to experts.
"The only way to really cure pancreatic cancer at present is if somebody can make it to surgery and have it surgically removed," Makawita said.
In her statement, Jackson Lee said serving as Texas 18th's Congressional District representative has been one of her "greatest honors."
"Your hopes and aspirations inspire my efforts on behalf of our community every day," she said.
She said as she undergoes treatments, she will be occasionally absent from Congress, but her office will continue to deliver "vital constituent services."
Jackson Lee said she is committed to working with Congressional leadership, including Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Speaker of the House to continue to serve the nation and be present for votes on legislation.
"By God’s grace, I will be back at full strength soon," she said in the statement. “Please keep me and my family in your prayers as you have always done. Know that you will remain in mine. As always, God bless you and God bless the United States of America.”
About pancreatic cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer accounts for around 3% of all cancer cases and 7% of all cancer deaths. One in 56 men is at risk, while one in 60 women.
Around 67,000 people are estimated to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2024.
Read Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's full statement:
“My adult life has been defined by my faith in God, my love for humanity and my commitment to public service. As a member of Congress, I've been honored to be one of the leaders in the fight for justice and equality for all; especially the disadvantaged and the dispossessed. Today, my fight is more personal, but I will approach it with the same faith and the same courage.
“My doctors have confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. I am currently undergoing treatment to battle this disease that impacts tens of thousands of Americans every year.
“I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease. The road ahead will not be easy, but I stand in faith that God will strengthen me.
“To the constituents of the 18th Congressional District: Serving as your representative in Congress for 30 years is one of my greatest honors. Your hopes and aspirations inspire my efforts on behalf of our community every day. As I pursue my treatments, it is likely that I will be occasionally absent from Congress, but rest assured my office will continue to deliver the vital constituent services that you deserve and expect.
“I am committed to working with our Congressional Leadership including Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Speaker of House to serve this nation and be present for votes on legislation that is critical for the prosperity and security of the American people. By God’s grace, I will be back at full strength soon.
“Please keep me and my family in your prayers as you have always done. Know that you will remain in mine. As always, God bless you and God bless the United States of America.”
Jackson Lee has been a member of the U.S. House since 1995. In March, she beat Amanda Edwards in the Democratic primary.
The Houston lawmaker is on three Congressional committees. She is a senior member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, Homeland Security and the Budget Committee, according to her online bio.