Longtime Scarborough Councillor Ron Moeser has been diagnosed with cancer.

Moeser, who has represented Scarborough for 18 years and currently holds the Ward 44 Scarborough East seat, told his council colleagues in an email Wednesday that he has lymphoma.

“I am currently undergoing testing to determine the extent of this illness and the course of treatment that will follow,” said an email forwarded to the Star by Moeser’s office.

“I will continue to fulfil my duties as City Councillor and serve the constituents of Ward 44, as my condition permits. I will update you should my prognosis change.”

The often quiet Moeser has had previous health challenges that kept him away from his council duties after a bad infection following an ankle replacement in 2012.

He said in the email he felt it was “in the best interest of the office” to notify council of his situation.

In 2014, fifteen people ran to unseat Moeser, unsuccessfully. He won with nearly 26 per cent of the vote.

The news comes on the same day as Councillor Rob Ford’s funeral after 18 months of treatment for a rare and aggressive liposarcoma.