Cancer won't force Layton to quit

Federal NDP leader Jack Layton announced today that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer but says he won’t step away from his political duties as he battles the disease.

The Toronto-Danforth MP told the crowd gathered at the Estonian House on Broadview Avenue that he is feeling good, and treatment is underway.

Layton’s senior press secretary Karl Belanger said the NDP leader was diagnosed with prostate cancer in Dec. 2009 during a routine check-up with his doctor.

Layton, 59, said he wanted to ensure his constituents that he’ll be carrying on his duties as the federal representative for Toronto-Danforth as well.

“Recently, the party marked my seventh anniversary of me becoming leader, and without question we accomplished a lot but ... but we recognize that there’s still a lot more work ahead of us,” Layton said. “I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get to work.”

This isn’t the first time cancer has touched Layton’s life. Seventeen years ago, Layton’s father beat the same kind of prostate cancer. Two years ago his wife, Trinity-Spadina MP Olivia Chow, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

"She won her battle and I’m going to win mine as well.”