Opinion: Ann Romney, Mitt’s wife, treated for pre-cancerous lump in her breast

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Ann Romney announced this morning that she has been treated for a pre-cancerous lump in her breast.

Romney, whose husband, Mitt Romney, is the former governor of Massachusetts and campaigned for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination (and who may run again in 2012), broke the news in an e-mail to reporters before stories began leaking elsewhere.

‘Last week, following my annual mammogram at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, I was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS).

‘While this is commonly referred to as early stage breast cancer, it is technically not cancer but rather pre-cancer, as it has not become invasive. Today, I have had a lumpectomy.

‘This procedure does not require hospitalization. Mitt and I feel fortunate to have caught this so early. And, it reminds us how important it is for women to have regular mammograms. As in all cases of cancer, early detection is critical. Many families are facing medical hardships -- our hearts go out to all of you and also our wishes for healing holidays.’

This is not Romney’s first bout with illness. In 1998, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

In an interview withGeorge Stephanopoulos during the campaign, Mitt Romney said that, ‘Without question, the most difficult time in our life was when Ann was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.’

-- Kate Linthicum

To get cellphone alerts on each new Ticket item, register here. RSS feeds are also available here.