Bob Dole, former senator and presidential candidate, diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer

KSTP

Former Sen. Bob Dole salutes the flag-draped casket containing the remains of former President George H.W. Bush as he lies in state at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.[AP/Manuel Balce Ceneta]

Former presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. Bob Dole announced Thursday he has stage four lung cancer.

According to a statement, his first treatment will begin on Monday.

"While I certainly have some hurdles ahead, I also know that I join millions of Americans who face significant health challenges of their own," Dole said.

STATEMENT BY SENATOR BOB DOLE ON HEALTH CHALLENGES pic.twitter.com/ndRxqNWb30
— Senator Bob Dole (@SenatorDole) February 18, 2021

Dole, a Kansas Republican, served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1961-1969 before being elected to the Senate, where he served for 27 years. His political career ended with a run for president as the Republican nominee in 1996, losing to Democrat Bill Clinton.