Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Alabama Rep. Mo Brooks announced Wednesday that he will undergo treatment next week for prostate cancer -- surgery that will force him to miss key upcoming votes.
While he revealed that his illness requires immediate surgery, Brooks said he has "a very good prognosis."
Brooks will miss important House votes on taxation and a government shutdown, which are scheduled for next week. It is unlikely he would be cleared to return to Washington in time for the votes, The Hill reported.
Speaking on the House floor Wednesday, Brooks, 63, said his loss in a GOP senate primary to Roy Moore earlier this year may have saved his life.
"Had I won, I would not have had time for my physical and [prostate-specific antigen blood] test. I would not have had a prostate biopsy. I would not now know about my high-risk prostate cancer that requires immediate surgery," an emotional Brooks said. "In retrospect and paradoxically, losing the Senate race may have saved my life. Yes, God does work in mysterious ways."
Tuesday, Moore lost his bid for the Senate to Democrat Doug Jones in an unexpected defeat.
Brooks said he learned of his cancer diagnosis in October, and encouraged men to monitor their PSA levels.
Surgery is planned for Dec. 20 in Birmingham, Ala.
