Cancer does not discriminate in any way! It affects rich and poor, famous and infamous, powerful and weak, all with an equal vengeance. It can affect whole families. I know….both of my parents died of cancer.

Senator John Kerry had prostate cancer, and his wife Teresa Heinz was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. These are two of the most common cancers that affect Americans. Both of them had an early diagnosis because of screening tests. Senator Kerry’s prostate cancer was discovered by a PSA test (a test that is becoming more common) and his wife by a screening mammogram. In this video, Teresa speaks out against the recommendations for mammography screening by the US Preventative Health Task Force, as I have done in a recent blog (see “Raging Debate on Mammography Guidelines“).

Hopefully both Mr. and Mrs. Kerry have a very successful outcome. We are grateful that they have come forward with their cancer story. It raises hope among us….we are all in this battle together!

Tags: Famous people with cancer, Politicians with cancer, Screening and prevention