Sen. John McCain To Discontinue Treatment For Brain Cancer

Senator John McCain has decided to suspend his brain cancer treatment.

On Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, the 81-year-old politician's family announced his decision in a statement on his behalf, CBS News reports.

"Last summer, Senator John McCain shared with Americans the news our family already knew: he had been diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma, and the prognosis was serious," the McCain family stated. "In the year since, John has surpassed expectations for his survival. 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." 

The statement continued, "Our family is immensely grateful for the support and kindness of all his caregivers over the last year, and for the continuing outpouring of concern and affection from John's many friends and associates, and the many thousands of people who are keeping him in their prayers. God bless and thank you all."

As Nicki Swift previously reported, Sen. McCain was diagnosed with glioblastoma in July 2017. At the time of his diagnosis, he'd undergone a procedure to remove a blood clot from above his left eye at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz.

For over 30 years, the Republican maverick and Vietnam War hero, who famously ran against former President Barack Obama in 2008, has represented the state of Arizona in the Senate.

McCain's daughter and The View co-host Meghan McCain has since taken to Twitter to further express her family's gratitude for everyone's support. "My family is deeply appreciative of all the love and generosity you have shown us during this past year," she wrote. "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." Meanwhile, McCain's wife of 38 years, Cindy, tweeted, "I love my husband with all of my heart. God bless everyone who has cared for my husband along this journey."

Our thoughts are with Sen. McCain and his family and friends during this time.