Premier John Horgan has been diagnosed with throat cancer, but he says his prognosis is good and he expects to make a full recovery.

Horgan stayed overnight in hospital last Friday to have surgery to remove a growth in his throat. He says today that growth was cancerous, and he will have radiation treatment starting in a couple weeks to make sure the cancer is gone.

The premier says his radiation will be ongoing until close to the end of December.

“My prognosis is good and I expect to make a full recovery,” Horgan says. He also thanked healthcare workers for his successful surgery and biopsy done six days ago.

Horgan says he plans to take part in meetings virtually while receiving radiation. He says deputy premier Mike Farnworth or other cabinet ministers may stand in his place during in-person events over the next two months.

“I would, again, like to thank everyone who sent their well wishes. Your support gives me strength and humbles me. I look forward to being back in the legislature and travelling in the new year,” Horgan says.

When announcing his planned surgery last week, Horgan implored others to get checked out if they medical issues or health concerns. The 62-year-old previously beat bladder cancer in 2008. He also lost his brother Pat to cancer in 2018, who was 71 years old at the time.

Interim caucus leader of the BC Liberals Shirley Bond says Horgan and his family are in her thoughts, and says Horgan has the support of her entire caucus in the Legislature. “I certainly look forward to the day he can return to the Legislature and we can continue the vigorous debate that we are used to having.”