John McCain, a US Republican Senator has chosen to discontinue medical treatment for brain cancer, his family said, according to a report by Associated Press on Friday, August 24, 2018.
His family said in a statement shared with US media: “Last year, 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.”
“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 chosen to discontinue medical treatment.”
The six-term senator and 2008 Republican presidential nominee was diagnosed after doctors discovered his tumour during surgery to remove a blood clot from above his left eye last July.
The son and grandson of Navy admirals, Mr McCain was a fighter pilot during the Vietnam War. When his plane was shot down, he spent more than five years as a prisoner of war.
While in the custody of his captors, he was tortured and suffered numerous injuries that left him with lingering disabilities.
The family added: “With his usual strength of will, he has now chosen to discontinue medical treatment.” The 81-year-old McCain is in his sixth term representing Arizona. He has been away from the Capitol since December.
Even though a Republican, he has been one of the trenchant critics of President Trump. Family members say they are immensely grateful for the support and kindness shown by McCain’s caregivers and for the outpouring of concern and affection by thousands of people.
Mr McCain represented his state in the Senate and House for 35 years and has been a strong voice within the Republican party.
Read more at BBC
