Former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid Dies at 82
Harry Reid, a longtime Democratic U.S. senator from Nevada and former Senate Majority Leader died Tuesday at age 82. Reid died following a four-year battle with pancreatic cancer, according to a statement from his wife, Landra.
"I am heartbroken to announce the passing of my husband, former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. He died peacefully this afternoon, surrounded by our family,” said Landra Reid.
Reid, who was first elected to the Senate in Nevada in 1986, retired at the end of his term in 2017. He was initially diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2018. A year later he announced his cancer was in remission.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 60,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021. Of those, about 48,000 will die from the disease. Pancreatic cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancers in the United States and about 7% of all cancer deaths.
Dr. Pamela Hodul, surgical oncologist, Gastrointestinal Oncology Program
Dr. Pamela Hodul, a surgical oncologist in Moffitt’s Gastrointestinal Oncology Department, says early stage pancreatic cancers treated surgically and with chemotherapy have the best prognosis.
“The best chance for cure of pancreas cancer is prevention,” said Hodul. “Certain patient populations such as those with certain types of pancreatic cysts, genetic predisposition and family history of pancreas cancer are at greatest risk and require screening and surveillance.”
Hodul says current developments are underway focusing on early detection and prevention.
Pancreatic cancer is hard to find early since people usually have no symptoms until the cancer has already spread to other organs.
President Joe Biden, who served with Reid in the Senate, called him one of "the all-time great Senate Majority Leaders in our history" in a statement Tuesday.
“Harry never forgot his humble roots,” said President Biden. “A boxer, he never gave up a fight. A great American, he looked at challenges and believed it was within our capacity to do good — to do right. May God bless Harry Reid, a dear friend and a giant of our history.”
A son of Searchlight, Nevada, Harry never forgot his humble roots. A boxer, he never gave up a fight. A great American, he looked at challenges and believed it was within our capacity to do good — to do right.
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 29, 2021
May God bless Harry Reid, a dear friend and a giant of our history.
