WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/31/2009) - Republican Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner of Brookfield, Wisconsin has announced his bid for re-election to represent the Wisconsin 5th district in the U.S. House of Representatives and has also announced he is being treated for prostate cancer.

The Sensenbrenner campaign office indicates the Congressman plans to continue representing the Wisconsin 5th Congressional District when re-elected in 2010. Sensenbrenner has served in Congress since 1978. He and his wife Cheryl have two adult sons, Frank and Bob.

"The critical issues before us today are directly affecting our quality of life," Sensenbrenner said. "I want to continue the battle to improve our economy, restore jobs and reduce government spending."

"My strong record demonstrates my commitment to individual freedom and less government intrusion in our lives. I stand ready to continue my representation of these core principles," Sensenbrenner continued.

"I have the opportunity to listen to my constituents at the hundreds of town hall meetings and office hours that I hold each year throughout the 5th Congressional District," Sensenbrenner said.

"I am humbled by the support from those I represent and I look forward to continuing to represent them in the manner in which they have become accustomed – with a clear, common-sense message of telling it like it is," Sensenbrenner said.

Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner also says he has been diagnosed with an early stage of prostate cancer and is beginning treatment.

"In late July, during a routine checkup, my PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels were found to be high, which can be an indicator of prostate cancer," Sensenbrenner said.

"After some additional testing was conducted, the doctor confirmed that I have an early stage of prostate cancer. Fortunately, it was caught in time, and the cancer has not spread beyond the prostate," Sensenbrenner explained.

The cure rate for Sensenbrenner’s cancer is 85-95 percent, according to Sensenbrenner’s doctor.

"Over the next several months I will undergo treatment, including radiation therapy," Sensenbrenner said.

"My treatments will have a minimal effect on my duties of serving the people of the Fifth Congressional District. I intend on maintaining my active schedule, both in Washington and in the District, and will still hold the numerous Town Hall Meetings that have been scheduled," Sensenbrenner said.

According to the National Institutes of Health, one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

"I urge men to have their prostate examined on an annual basis and have their PSA levels taken," Sensenbrenner said.

"Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in males, skin cancer is first. Early discovery is critical, and that is why the PSA test is so important. This disease is treatable and curable with early diagnosis," Sensenbrenner said.

For more information on prostate cancer, visit the National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute website at www.cancer.gov