Mayo Says Dayton’s Fainting Not Related to His Cancer

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Mayo Clinic says Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton's fall during his State of the State address was not related to his prostate cancer diagnosis.

In a statement Tuesday evening, Mayo Clinic spokesman Karl Oestreich says doctors believe Dayton's fainting spell "was situational and related to standing for a long time while giving his speech and possible dehydration." The 69-year-old Democrat was encouraged to stay hydrated.

Oestreich also says the governor learned about the cancer during his annual physical exam, and a biopsy last week confirmed the diagnosis.

Dayton will meet with Mayo Clinic doctors next week to discuss treatment options.