Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey says she's being treated for lung cancer

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced Thursday that she will receive treatment for a malignant spot on her lung.

The 74-year-old Republican governor said the spot was discovered in a routine exam and was later confirmed to be what she called a tiny, isolated malignancy.

FILE - In this March 4, 2019, file photo, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey speaks at a news conference in Beauregard, Ala.  (AP)

Ivey said she will travel Friday for an outpatient procedure at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and then will undergo radiation treatments.

"The good news is I am one of the fortunate ones where this was discovered early, and it is very treatable," Ivey said in a statement.

"Naturally, I welcome your prayers and your support. Just as so many others who have been affected by cancer, I am confident of God's plan and purpose for my life and feel extremely fortunate this was caught so early."

The governor said it will not interfere in her ability to serve as governor and "doing the work you elected me to do."

The governor announced the diagnosis in a statement and video released by her press office. She said she made the announcement because, "I always shoot straight with you."

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Dr. William P. Saliski Jr. with Montgomery Pulmonary Consultants said Ivey was referred to him to review an abnormal spot on her lung, and a biopsy revealed an isolated malignancy.

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"Upon consultation with our cancer team and reviewing all options available, Governor Ivey determined that these minimal radiation treatments are her preference. Governor Ivey has opted for the least invasive treatment which has an excellent cure rate. I expect her to make a full recovery," Saliski wrote in a statement released by Ivey's office.