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Sasse said he has stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Former Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse announced his diagnosis of metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer via a post on X, acknowledging the severity of his condition.
Sasse reflected on his advanced pancreatic cancer diagnosis, calling it a 'death sentence' but emphasizing that everyone faces mortality. He expressed the personal difficulty of the news as a husband and father, given his nature to work and build.
Ben Sasse had a notable political career, serving as a U.S. Senator from 2015 to 2023 and voting to convict President Trump in his second impeachment. He later transitioned to leading the University of Florida but resigned to prioritize his wife's health after her epilepsy diagnosis.
Stage 4 pancreatic cancer is the most advanced form, indicating spread to distant organs. It is typically diagnosed in older individuals, with an average age of 70-71, and often late due to a lack of early symptoms and effective screening. The disease has high frequency and lethality, with thousands diagnosed and dying annually in the U.S.
Sasse expressed gratitude for time with his family and noted the timing of his diagnosis during Christmas as a period for hope. He affirmed his resolve to fight the disease, acknowledging scientific advancements in treatments like immunotherapy and stating that the process of dying is still a part of living.