US Senator Bill Nelson, a Florida Democrat, will go under the knife next week to get his prostate cancer removed. His office said on Thursday that a routine medical exam helped doctors diagnose Nelson with the cancer in its early stages. The 72-year old will undergo the surgery on Monday.

His office said in a statement that the cancer hasn't been found spreading outside the prostate and no-way drops the plans of Nelson to run for re-election in 2018.

"I've been blessed with good health, which has allowed me the great privilege of public service, and I look forward to continuing serving our country and Florida", Nelson said in a statement.

Nelson's surgery will take place in the operation room of a local hospital Monday. Nelson is the only Democrat with statewide elective office in Florida. Besides, he is the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

He has become popular for clearing obstacles for highway funding, the environment the space program and other important matters related to the state.

He defeated GOP Rep. Connie Mack IV in 2012 elections by a big margin and won a third Senate term.

The American Cancer Society says that prostate cancer is the common plight of many American men. Nearly 220,800 new cases this year are estimated by the organization this year. Of them, 27,540 will succumb to the disease, says the organization.