B.C. Premier John Horgan to have biopsy surgery after discovering growth on throat

B.C. Premier John Horgan has announced he will undergo biopsy surgery on Friday after discovering a lumpon his throat several months ago.

The premier spoke about his health at animpromptunews conferenceon Thursday. He saidhe's been told hiscondition is treatable and that he is notstepping down as premier.

"I am confident that I will have a complete recovery," said Horgan, 62.

The premier said he has appointedPublic Safety Minister Mike Farnworth as deputy premier as a precaution, in the eventhe needs help with his duties.

WATCH | Horgan discusses his health and Farnworth's move to deputy premier:

John Horgan getting surgery for lump on throat

3 years ago

Duration 1:12

B.C.s premier wont be stepping away from his duties, but has appointed Minister Mike Farnworth as deputy premier in case he needs assistance.

Benign growth confirmed

Horgan said he first felt the lump in his throat a number of months ago and has been in and out of hospital for testingin recent weeks. Thetests confirmed a benign growth on his throat and the need for a biopsy onFriday.

"The biopsysurgerytomorrow will reveal what exactly we're dealing with," he said. "The issue in respect to my neck is benign, but in the investigation of that initial concern of mine, another concern was discovered, and that's what we're dealing with tomorrow.

"It is certainly treatable, as I've been told."

He said he expects the pathology report to come back Friday evening, after which pointhe and his medical team will determine further treatment. Hereiterated that he and the team are optimistic butdid sayhewas concerned his condition couldimpacthis ability to speak in the short-term.

"Which is some comfort for my spouse, Ellie,"he said, offering a moment of levity."It'll be quieter around my house."

The premier said he made the decision to speakabout the details ofhealth in the spirit of openness and because it's the kind of diagnosis many other families deal with daily.

"This is a small-town, Victoria," Horgansaid. "I'll be staying overnight as a result of this surgery and that type of information just doesn't stay quiet. I think transparency is really important in these situations."

Premier previously survived cancer

Horgan was previously diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2008. He was declared cancer-free after surgery and treatment.

"It's important, I think, for people to understand that this isn't the first time I've experienced a health issue like this, and it's the extraordinary efforts of our public health-care system that gives me complete confidence that all will be well for me," he said Thursday.

"For those of you out there who do have concerns about this or that, don't wait. See a doctor."

After the news conference, Opposition Leader Shirley Bond issued a statementoffering her support to the premier.

"Today's news comes as a shock to all of us,"Bond wrote, noting she has personally known Horganfor nearly 20 years.

"On behalf of the entire B.C. Liberal Caucus and all of my colleagues, I want to send our best wishes to John Horgan and his family I look forward to the day when a completely healthy Premier Horgan returns to the Legislature."