ORLANDO, Fla. – Orange County officials say Mayor Jerry Demings underwent surgery for prostate cancer Tuesday morning.
Demings released a statement, saying:
“I appreciate the outpouring of support from our community. My surgery went well, and my doctors remain very optimistic about my recovery. I look forward to getting back to serving the residents of Orange County after taking the time my doctors have recommended for my recovery.”
Demings announced in June that he was undergoing treatment, choosing to suspend his campaign for Florida governor as a result. Demings said his cancer was caught early and was treatable.
The mayor has vowed to finish his last term in county office.
Demings was sworn in as Orange County mayor in 2018 after a long career in public service that spans more than four decades. His career includes serving as Orlando police chief and Orange County sheriff.
The American Cancer Society estimates that about one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. The group recommends that men with an average risk start getting screenings at age 50.
However, Black men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer, so ACS recommends they start getting screened at 45.
[WATCH: Mayor Demings’ prostate cancer diagnosis highlights importance of early detection, doctor says]