Hawaii Congressman Mark Takai revealed Tuesday that a tumor in his pancreas is malignant.
“In an effort to keep my constituents in Hawaii’s First Congressional District updated, I want to let everyone know that I will undergo surgery to remove a small, cancerous tumor in my pancreas,” Takai said in a statement.
“After consulting with my doctors in Hawaii and on the mainland, I have scheduled the procedure for November 10 at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland,” Takai said. “All tests show that the tumor is small and isolated. I am in good spirits and thankful that my prognosis remains good thanks to the early detection.”

Takai represents Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District, which includes the southern portion of Oahu and most of the island’s population. He was elected in 2014, emerging from a seven-candidate field in the Democratic primary and then defeating Republican Charles Djou in the general election.
He served in the state House of Representatives for 20 years, from the 34th District from 1994 to 2012, and the 33rd District from 2012 to 2014.
“My family and I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, support and prayers. We ask for your continued prayers, support and respect for our privacy during this challenging time,” Takai said in the Tuesday statement.
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About the Author
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Richard Wiens is the News Editor of Civil Beat. You can reach him by email at rwiens@civilbeat.org or follow him on twitter at @WiensCivilBeat.