Former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne, 73, has announced that he has been diagnosed with colon cancer. Kempthorne, who also served as U.S. Secretary of the Interior and a U.S. Senator, will begin chemotherapy immediately and called this diagnosis possibly the “challenge of my lifetime.” He urged others to stay current on their testing and remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment.
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., but it is highly preventable and treatable when caught early. The recommended age for an initial colonoscopy screening is now 45 years old. Kempthorne’s family thanked well-wishers for their support and prayers, and he expressed his determination to overcome this diagnosis so he can continue spending time with his family, including his seven grandchildren.
Despite his health battle, Kempthorne remains active in various roles, such as chairing the commissioning committee advisory board for the USS Idaho nuclear submarine and leading the raptor recovery program at The Peregrine Fund. He remains optimistic about his recovery and is focused on cherishing moments with his loved ones. More information on colon cancer prevention and treatment can be found on the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s website.
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