Bob Dole, the 1996 former Republican senator and presidential candidate, announced on Thursday that he had advanced lung cancer.
“I was recently diagnosed with stage four lung cancer,” Mr. Dole said in a statement. “My first treatment will start on Monday. While I certainly have some obstacles ahead of me, I also know that I join millions of Americans who face their own significant health challenges. “
Mr. Dole, 97, has represented Kansas in the Senate for more than 25 years, including 11 years as the Republican leader of the House. He gave up his position as a majority leader to run for the White House in 1996, only to lose to President Bill Clinton by a large margin, 379 electoral votes against 159.
He faced health challenges for decades, starting with an injury on the battlefield during World War II, in which he served as the Army’s second lieutenant. He was hit by machine-gun fire, which nearly killed him and permanently limited the use of his right arm. He came to support the Americans with Disabilities Act, passed in 1990, and later pushed for the United States to adhere to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Dole – the oldest ex-presidential candidate or living president, a year older than ex-President Jimmy Carter – revealed his diagnosis of lung cancer the day after conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh died of the same disease.