BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Michael Caputo of East Aurora, who took a leave of absence last week from his position with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, tells ABC News he has been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a metastatic head and neck cancer.
Caputo says the diagnosis comes after doctors at the National Cancer Institute removed a lymph node from his neck last Thursday - a day after he announcedhe was stepping awayfrom his top Trump administration communications role as HHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs for 60 days.
"He is now home in Western New York, resting in the loving arms of his family, under the watchful eye of Jesus Christ," said New York State Assemblyman David DiPietro on behalf of the Caputo family.
The Caputo family says it is grateful for the support of President Trump and the counsel of doctors at the NCI and National Institutes of Health as they decide the next steps.
"Michael and his family urge all Americans to stop delaying their healthcare, especially cancer screenings, during the COVID19 crisis - call your family doctor today," the family said in a statement.
