The family of Sen. John McCain said in a statement Friday that the Arizona Republican has decided to discontinue medical treatment after he was diagnosed last year with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
McCain, 81, revealed last summer that he had been diagnosed with primary glioblastoma.
“John has surpassed expectations for his survival,” the McCain family said in a statement. “But the progress of disease and the inexorable advance of age render their verdict. With his usual strength of will, he has now chosen to discontinue medical treatment.”
Members of the McCain family shared the statement Friday on social media.
“I love my husband with all of my heart,” John McCain’s wife, Cindy McCain, wrote in a Twitter post that included the statement. “God bless everyone who has cared for my husband along this journey.”
I love my husband with all of my heart. God bless everyone who has cared for my husband along this journey. pic.twitter.com/v27sEbboii
— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) August 24, 2018
John McCain's daughter, Meghan McCain, thanked supporters in a separate post on Twitter.
"We could not have made it this far without you," she wrote. "You've given us strength to carry on."
My family is deeply appreciative of all the love and generosity you have shown us during this past year. Thank you for all your continued support and prayers. We could not have made it this far without you - you've given us strength to carry on. pic.twitter.com/KuAQSASoa7
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) August 24, 2018
Politicians reacted to the news with well-wishes for McCain, who has been been away from the Capital since December.
John McCain personifies service to our country. The whole House is keeping John and his family in our prayers during this time.
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) August 24, 2018
God bless John McCain, his family, and all who love him — a brave man showing us once again what the words grace and grit really mean. https://t.co/9aiLxCF24E
— John Kerry (@JohnKerry) August 24, 2018
Very sad to hear this morning’s update from the family of our dear friend @SenJohnMcCain. We are so fortunate to call him our friend and colleague. John, Cindy, and the entire McCain family are in our prayers at this incredibly difficult hour.
— Leader McConnell (@SenateMajLdr) August 24, 2018
No man this century better exemplifies honor, patriotism, service,
— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) August 24, 2018
sacrifice, and country first than Senator John McCain. His heroism
inspires, his life shapes our character. I am blessed and humbled by
our friendship.
Doctors discovered John McCain’s brain tumor after he underwent surgery in July 2017 to remove a blood clot from above his eye. He was previously diagnosed with melanoma in 1993, 2000 and 2002, and underwent treatment each time. Those cancers did not spread, according to John McCain’s doctors.
>> Related: Photos: Sen. John McCain through the years
Glioblastoma is a particularly aggressive form of cancer and the prognosis is often poor, according to the American Brain Tumor Association. The average survival rate for patients with malignant glioblastoma is around 14 months if the person gets treatment. Around 10 percent of patients with the disease live for five years or longer.
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