Missoula Mayor John Engen has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and will soon begin treatment. The long-time mayor says he may have to step back from his duties.
A news release from Mayor Engen’s office Tuesday says he’s experienced fatigue and abdominal pain for several months.
An MRI last Wednesday and biopsy on Friday confirmed he has adenocarcinoma — a type of cancer — on his pancreas as well as a cancerous tumor on his liver.
Physicians have not yet determined a prognosis, but treatment is expected to begin after an oncology consultation next week.
Engen, Missoula’s longest-serving mayor, was first elected in 2006 and easily won re-election last year.
Tuesday’s news release says his full calendar of appointments may get rearranged depending on treatment and his strength.
Engen is also quoted as saying, “I’m still very much at the helm, but if I am incapacitated and no longer able to meet the obligations of this job, I’ll step down.”