Morris State Sen. Tony Bucco Diagnosed With Throat Cancer

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — State Senator Tony Bucco has been diagnosed with cancer, a family spokesperson announced on Friday.

Bucco, 80, has been diagnosed with a squamous carcinoma, a type of throat cancer, spokesperson Mike DuHaime said. The cancer is localized and has not spread.

"The senator will approach his treatments with tenacity, faith, energy and good spirits, the same way he has faced every challenge in his life of public service. He looks forward to returning to Trenton this Spring after his treatments conclude to resume debate with his colleagues and friends from both sides of the aisle," DuHaime said.

Bucco will be treated at Morristown Medical Center, and is expected to undergo seven weeks of radiation and chemotherapy, DuHaime said. He is not expected to need surgery.

Squamous carcinoma is highly treatable, particularly when diagnosed early. When diagnosed in the early stages, squamous carcinoma patients have an 80 to 95 percent "cure rate," according to the Rogel Cancer Center. DuHaime said Bucco's long-term prognosis is "quite good."

Bucco, a Republican, has represented the 25th district since 1998.

"We want Senator Bucco to know that he won’t be alone in his upcoming fight against cancer. He has the prayers and full support of his Senate Republican family, and I’m sure of the entire Legislature. Knowing Tony, I have no doubt his battle against cancer will be successful," Sen. Tom Kean said in a statement.

Image via NJ Legislature