Kempthorne diagnosed with cancer

Former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne was recently diagnosed with colon cancer, according to a press release.

“While no one wants cancer in their life, let me use this situation to urge everyone to be current in their testing and remain vigilant on updates," Kempthorne said in the release. “I have confidence in the medical community, which has greatly improved cancer treatment. I also want to express great gratitude for the positive thoughts and prayers from so many of you. Throughout my life, I have tackled many challenges head-on. I will do the same with this — which may be the challenge of my lifetime. I hope that sharing this message will help others.”

Kempthorne, 73, served two terms as Idaho's governor. He was elected in 1998 and reelected in 2002.

He was the mayor of Boise from 1986 to 1993 and served as a U.S. senator from 1993 to 1999.

The release said, "True to his unwavering spirit of service and strength, Kempthorne will begin chemotherapy immediately. With the support of his loving family, he is facing this diagnosis with hope, determination, and faith."

Kempthorne’s greatest joy has always been his role as “Pop Dirk” to his seven grandchildren, the release said. "His focus remains on recovery so he can return to enjoying time with them — laughing, playing, and cherishing the moments that matter most," the release said.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but it is also highly preventable and treatable when detected early, the release said.