News on the Speaker’s illness

This from Speaker Joe Hackney’s office:

Speaker Joe Hackney had his prostate removed this morning at UNC Hospitals. Doctors found prostate cancer this fall during a biopsy prompted by elevated PSA levels. Hackney, 62, is expected to be released from the hospital this weekend and will recuperate at home with his family during the holidays. His doctors do not expect that he will need additional treatment.

“He’s doing fine. His prognosis is excellent, and he is expected to make a full recovery,” said Dr. Eric Wallen, the urologic surgeon who performed the procedure.

Prostate cancer strikes 1 in 6 men in the United States. Hackney encourages all men to have regular prostate screenings, as he has, to detect malignancies early, when they are most easily treated.

We wish him a speedy recovery.