John McCain 'chooses to discontinue medical treatment' for brain tumour, reveals family

Family says senator ‘surpassed expectations for his survival’

Senator John McCain, one of the longest-serving and best-known US politicians, will stop receiving treatment for his brain cancer, his family has said.

“The progress of disease and the inexorable advance of age render their verdict,” the family said of the 81-year-old senator in a statement. “With his usual strength of will, he has now chosen to discontinue treatment.”

Mr McCain, a US senator of more than 30 years, was diagnosed with an aggressive former of brain cancer in July 2017. He has been receiving treatment at the Mayo Clinic near his home in Arizona, and has “surpassed expectations for his survival”, according to his family.

“Our family is immensely grateful for the support and kindness of all his caregivers over the last year, and for the continuing outpouring of concern and affection from John’s many friends and associates, and the many thousands of people who are keeping him in their prayers,” the family said.

The congressman and US Navy veteran has received a flood of well-wishers at his Arizona ranch in the last year, from former vice president Joe Biden to longtime friend Senator Lindsey Graham.

The senator last visited Capitol Hill in December, following a dramatic appearance over the summer when he cast the deciding vote against his party’s attempts to repeal Obamacare.

“Very sad to hear this morning’s update from the family of our dear friend Senator McCain,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement. ”We are so fortunate to call him our friend and colleague.”

Mr McCain’s wife, Cindy, also released a statement, thanking everyone who had helped their family and saying: “I love my husband with all of my heart.”

“My family is deeply appreciative of all the love and generosity you have shown us during this past year,” his daughter Meghan tweeted. “Thank you for all your continued support and prayers. We could not have made it this far without you – you’ve given us strength to carry on.”

President Donald Trump did not immediately respond to the news. The two have had a tense relationship since Mr McCain pulled his support from then presidential candidate Trump over an Access Hollywood tape in which the president admitted to sexually assaulting women.

Mr Trump also famously mocked the five years Mr McCain spent as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, saying he preferred “people who weren’t captured”. He also released a torrent of criticism after the senator shot down the Obamacare repeal effort last July.

Mr McCain, for his part, has reportedly told family members he does not want Mr Trump at his funeral.

Long known for his outspokenness and willingness to challenge his own party, Mr McCain has issued several statements since his last Senate vote. In June, he called the separation of immigrant families at the border an “affront to the decency of the American people,” and last month deemed Mr Trump’s press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin a “low point in the history of the American presidency”.

His memoir, The Restless Wave, was released in May.