The provincial government has confirmed in a news release that Yorkton MLA and Rural and Remote Health Minister Greg Ottenbreit has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
According to the news release, Ottenbreit believes the cancer was caught at an early stage and that his prognosis is good.
Still, it will require extensive treatment over the next several months.
In the meantime, Ottenbreit will continue on in cabinet until, as the premier states, the implications of his treatment are more clear.
“It’s a reminder, even with my fairly physically active and healthy lifestyle, that this can happen to anyone and that screening and early detection can greatly improve your treatment options and outcomes,” Ottenbreit said in a news release.
“In retrospect, with my symptoms, I could have pursued diagnosis sooner, but am very glad I investigated when I did.”
Ottenbreit expressed his gratitude to doctors, nurses and health care professionals for the care he has received to this point.
This is not the first time his family has gone through a cancer fight. His young son Brayden died of cancer years earlier.
"When our son was diagnosed in 1998, my family relied on our faith, and although Brayden's outcome wasn't what we prayed for, God carried and strengthened us,” Ottenbreit said.
“I know He will again. My wife said back then that we could 'choose to be bitter, or choose to be better - it's the choice of one vowel.’ We will again strive for better. With my family at my side, I will beat this and have good come from it."
Sadly, cancer battles have been familiar for Saskatchewan Party MLAs in recent years.
Battlefords MLA Herb Cox has battled bone cancer throughout his entire time in the legislature. He stepped down as environment minister last summer to undergo his second stem cell transplant. Cox has since been appointed to chair the Caucus Committee on Crime Reduction.
Late last year, Saskatoon Meewasin MLA Roger Parent died following a brief battle with cancer. A byelection is set for 2017.
In a statement, Premier Brad Wall said Ottenbreit has the full support of his cabinet and caucus colleagues, who all wish him well as he begins his cancer treatments.
The Premier also sent out a Tweet that stated: “An incredible advocate for cancer treatment now needs our support & prayers. @GregOttenbreit we are 100% behind you.”
