LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning says he won’t need chemotherapy after he underwent surgery for colon cancer.

A spokeswoman for Bruning confirmed Tuesday that test results showed no additional cancer in his lymph nodes or colon. Doctors in Lincoln removed a portion of his colon last week.

The 44-year-old Bruning returned to work on Tuesday. He thanked his doctors and well-wishers via his Twitter account, and encouraged Nebraskans to get tested for colon cancer, saying the early detection saved his life.

Bruning’s condition was discovered during a colonoscopy before Thanksgiving. The American Cancer Society says men and women with an average risk of developing colorectal cancer should begin regular screenings at age 50.

Bruning, a Republican, has served as Attorney General since 2003. He is seeking re-election in 2014.