Stroger has prostate cancer surgery

Stroger has prostate cancer surgery
By Mickey Ciokajlo
Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune
Published June 19, 2007, 7:42 AM CDT


Cook County Board President Todd Stroger had his prostate removed Monday and will be hospitalized at Northwestern Memorial Hospital while he recovers, his spokeswoman said this morning.

Stroger was diagnosed with Stage 1 prostate cancer 10 months ago, said Ibis Antongiorgi.

She said the surgery was successful and that Stage 1 prostate cancer has a "very high cure rate."

Ten months ago, Stroger was the Democratic Party's nominee for Cook County Board president. He beat Republican County Commissioner Tony Peraica in the November election.

On Monday, Stroger's spokeswoman would only say that he had been hospitalized for a "routine medical procedure" but declined to say what.

"It's a personal, private matter, and he asked that we respect his privacy," she said.

She said Stroger, 44, will continue to run the county during his recovery and will be in regular contact with his chief of staff.