Mandy
Ben Sasse, former Republican Senator of Nebraska, shared a deeply personal message on social media revealing that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
He described his condition as “metastasized,” a term indicating that the cancer has spread beyond its original site, and bluntly stated that he is “gonna die.”
Sasse, 53, spoke openly about the severity of his diagnosis, acknowledging that advanced pancreatic cancer is often seen as a “death sentence.”
However, he pointed out that death is inevitable for everyone, and we are all on borrowed time. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “I already had a death sentence before last week too — we all do.”
Despite the grim prognosis, Sasse shared his perspective with remarkable honesty and humility. He expressed gratitude for his supportive family and friends, including siblings and lifelong friends whom he considers brothers. “Death is a wicked thief, and the bastard pursues us all,” he added.
Ben Sasse’s Political Career And Public Life
Ben Sasse served as the U.S. Senator from Nebraska from 2015 until his resignation in 2023. He chose to step down from his political career to take on the role of the 13th President of the University of Florida.
However, last year, Sasse resigned from the university position to focus on caring for his wife, who had been diagnosed with epilepsy.
In the Senate, Sasse was a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, even being one of the seven Republicans who voted to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial following the January 6 Capitol riot.
This position earned him the ire of the former president, who mocked him at a rally, calling him a “grandstanding, little-respected senator.”
Facing The Fight Against Cancer
Despite the difficult diagnosis, Sasse is determined to fight and maintain a positive outlook. He shared, “I’ll have more to say.
I’m not going down without a fight.” Sasse also expressed his appreciation for the incredible strides in scientific advancements such as immunotherapy. These therapies offer hope for patients diagnosed with serious conditions like his.
He also emphasized that while dying is inevitable, it’s important to live fully throughout the process.
Sasse mentioned that his family has adopted a lighthearted approach to the situation, with “gallows humor” being an essential part of their coping mechanism.
He committed to embracing the challenges with humor and strength, promising to “run through the irreverent tape.”
The Importance Of Early Detection For Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a devastating diagnosis, with statistics showing it accounts for approximately 3% of all new cancer cases in the United States.
However, it is the third leading cause of cancer deaths, and it is projected to become the second leading cause by the end of the decade.
A major obstacle in the fight against pancreatic cancer is its late detection. Most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, making it difficult to treat effectively.
In fact, 80% of patients present with advanced disease at the time of diagnosis, reducing the likelihood of successful treatment.
As Dr. Brian Wolpin, director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explained, “At the time of presentation, we’re very unlikely to be able to cure the cancer.”
Former Senator Ben Sasse’s announcement of his stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis sheds light on the harsh realities of the disease and serves as a reminder of the inevitable nature of death.
Despite the grim prognosis, Sasse’s resilience, humor, and focus on scientific advancements provide hope and strength in the face of such a challenging situation.
His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and the need for continued advancements in cancer treatment.
FAQs
What is Stage 4 pancreatic cancer?
Stage 4 pancreatic cancer refers to an advanced form of cancer where the disease has spread to other parts of the body, making it difficult to treat.
How common is pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer accounts for around 3% of all new cancer cases in the United States and is the third leading cause of cancer deaths.
What are the symptoms of advanced pancreatic cancer?
Symptoms of advanced pancreatic cancer can include unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), and loss of appetite.