Rep. Tony Scott of Monroe used the opening day of the Connecticut legislative session to share a personal and important message about cancer awareness.

Scott announced that he had recently been diagnosed with throat cancer, despite never having smoked in his life. He first noticed a sore throat over the summer and is fortunate that his cancer was caught early.

With a good prognosis, Scott is urging everyone to prioritize their health by getting regular checkups and advocating for themselves and their loved ones.

Statement from the Senate Republican Caucus:

"Rep. Scott received a well-deserved and heartfelt standing ovation from Democrats and Republicans. His story is inspirational to all of us. We should take to heart Rep. Scott's words when he told us to 'be your own advocate, get those answers you need right away and go get that treatment done.' Rep. Scott set a personal goal for himself: To be at the State Capitol on Opening Day to be sworn-in while surrounded by his loving family. He accomplished that goal, and we celebrate him for doing so. We wish him all the best in his ongoing recovery and we are thrilled to know that the prognosis is good."