Sen. Hirono to Undergo Treatment for Kidney Cancer

Hawai‘i Senator Mazie Hirono announced plans to undergo treatment for kidney cancer in a media release issued on Tuesday.

Senator Hirono and USDA Deputy Secretary Harden get an update on Hawai’i’s floriculture industry from Eric & Jon Tanouye at Green Point Nurseries in Hilo

Sen. Hirono said that it was during a routine pre-operative physical for eye surgery that her doctor discovered an abnormality on her chest x-ray. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with kidney cancer which is present in her seventh rib.

“My treatment is being overseen by one of the preeminent kidney cancer specialists in the country at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital,” Sen Hirono said on Tuesday. “He has designed a comprehensive treatment plan – including surgery to remove my right kidney and an innovative, non-invasive, outpatient procedure called Cyberknife to eradicate the lesion on my rib. At the conclusion of this treatment, there will be no identifiable disease left untreated. My doctor expects I will make a full recovery from these treatments.”

Sen. Hirono added that she will continue to work during her recovery and looks forward to returning to the Senate as soon as possible.

“I face this fight with the same determination I’ve fought for the people of Hawai‘i. And I never quit, especially when things get tough.”