The No. 2 leader in the North Carolina House is receiving treatment for cancer

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The No. 2 elected leader in the North Carolina House said on Tuesday that she has been receiving treatment for breast cancer, with the likelihood of a full recovery deemed extremely high.

House Speaker Pro Tempore Sarah Stevens confirmed her disease and the prognosis in an interview following a visit to Raleigh for a legislative oversight committee.

Stevens, who will be 64 next month, said she was diagnosed in August and had a tumor removed. She said she is wrapping up chemotherapy and is about to begin radiation.

Stevens said cancer runs among the women in her family, and she was previously diagnosed with breast cancer two decades ago. This cancer is separate and apart from her previous illness, she said.

The Surry County Republican and attorney was first elected to the state House in 2008 and became a leader on judicial matters. She is now in her fourth two-year term as speaker pro tempore, having been first elected by the chamber in 2017. One of her chief responsibilities is directing debate when House Speaker Tim Moore is absent.

Stevens said she encourages people with a similar cancer diagnosis to find a support group and learn about the disease from friends who have battled it.