Long Island Rep. Carolyn McCarthy says she has been diagnosed with lung cancer.
McCarthy said in a statement Monday that her annual health physical revealed that she has a treatable form of lung cancer and that she'll soon begin treatment at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
She'll be able to return to work after she recovers, she said.
“There will be some tough days ahead and I will have to miss activities in Washington during my treatment in New York, but I will continue to be a strong advocate for the fourth Congressional District," said McCarthy.
"My capable and longtime staff will continue to support the needs of my constituents," she said.
The fourth congressional district includes parts of central and southern Nassau County.
McCarthy, who declined to speak on camera Monday, is serving her eighth term and has served Long Island for more than 14 years. A fierce advocate for gun control, she's lived with the consequences of gun violence: her husband Dennis was among the victims in the Long Island Rail Road massacre 20 years ago.
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Joyce Gorycki, whose husband was friends with McCarthy's on the train, became close with her since the shooting and said she spoke with her after her diagnosis.
"Her spirits are very high and very good," Gorycki said.
"She'll be OK," she said. "She's going to fight this, and she'll be all right. I know she will be."
