Doctors have diagnosed Department of Health and Human Services' top spokesperson Michael Caputo with cancer.

New York State Assemblyman David DiPietro, acting as a spokesperson for the family, confirmed Thursday that Caputo has squamous cell carcinoma, a metastic head and neck cancer that originated in his throat. Caputo took a temporary medical leave from his position at HHS last week.

He had surgery last Thursday at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland.

"He is now home in Western New York, resting in the loving arms of his family, under the watchful eye of Jesus Christ," DiPietro said.

In the statement, the Caputo family thanked HHS Secretary Alex Azar and President Donald Trump for their support. They also said they were grateful for the counsel of cancer institute director Dr. Ned Sharpless, and the National Institutes of Health Surgeon-in-Chief Dr. Jeremy Davis, as they decide on next steps in care and recovery.

"Michael and his family urge all Americans to stop delaying their health care, especially cancer screenings, during the COVID-19 crisis - call your family doctor today," DiPietro continued.

Prior to the disclosure of his health issues, Caputo had been the subject of several controveries including a report HHS was attempting to interfere with Center for Disease control reports about coronavirus and a Facebook live in which he accused government scientists of intentionally subverting the administration.

Caputo last week said he had been experiencing weight loss for months, but initially attributed it to a new diet and exercise regimen. He said he had also been dealing with stress and violent death threats against his family, and regretted not seeing his physician sooner.