INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – A longtime state lawmaker from northern Indiana says he will miss several weeks of the legislative session to undergo radiation treatment following cancer surgery to his ear.

Republican Rep. David Wolkins of Warsaw says doctors have told him he's cancer free after a 14-hour surgery last month during which his right eardrum was removed.

Wolkins says he'll be undergoing precautionary radiation treatments at an Illinois facility each day for six weeks starting in early February.

Wolkins has been a House member since 1988. He's known for his dislike of ties, so the House plans a “reverse tie day'' Thursday to raise cancer awareness. On that day, male House members won't have to wear ties and female members are being invited to wear them.