Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer

Governor Nathan Deal and Sandra Deal, and Rhett Akins speak onstage during 4th Annual Georgia On My Mind in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Georgia Music Foundation)

Georgia First Sandra Deal has announced that she was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer.

In a statement released today, Deal said that she has successfully undergone a surgery to remove a tumor, which had been detected during her annual mammogram.

In the coming weeks, she plans to begin treatment using chemotherapy to ensure remission.

"Since I caught it in its early stages, I am confident that the chemotherapy will year successful results," Deal said.

Deal encouraged all women to see medical professionals for their own annual mammogram and said that she will be continuing to travel the state reading to students.

"Nathan and I appreciate your thoughts and prayers during this time," she said.