Mayor Steve Hogan speaks during the opening ceremony for Martin Luther King Day on Monday Jan. 11, 2016 at Aurora Municipal Center.
Photo by Gabriel Christus/Aurora Sentinel

AURORA | Mayor Steve Hogan said Monday that he has been diagnosed with cancer, saying it’s why he’s missed city meetings during the past few weeks.

“What my family and I initially assumed was the flu has turned to a more serious diagnosis. I have cancer,” Hogan said in a statement to city officials.  “I am working closely with health care professionals to evaluate all treatment options which I anticipate beginning in the next week.”

Hogan said he anticipates he’ll return to his duties full time as he undergoes treatment.

He said also that he will not seek re-election next year. He is serving his second four-year term and eligible to run for a third term under state and city term limitation laws.

“For the great City of Aurora, it is time for new leadership,” Hogan said. “I am thankful for the 34 years of representing Aurora.”

Hogan said he’s very appreciative of well wishes he’s received, but he asked that any concern be diverted to serving the community.

“I would ask that you take any concern or any angst and turn it to service” Hogan wrote. “Go do something great for Aurora.”