Elizabeth Edwards has breast cancer

THE wife of defeated Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Elizabeth Edwards' condition was diagnosed on Wednesday the day her husband and John Kerry conceded the US presidential race.

Spokesman David Ginsberg said Mrs Edwards, 55, discovered a lump in her right breast while on a campaign trip last week. Her family doctor told her last Friday that it appeared to be cancerous and advised her to see a specialist when she could. She put off the appointment until Wednesday so as to not miss campaign time.