Losing democratic candidate's wife has cancer

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

Elizabeth Edwards’ condition was diagnosed yesterday – 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 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.

Mr Edwards had a needle biopsy performed at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where Dr Barbara Smith confirmed the cancer, Ginsberg said.

He said the cancer was diagnosed as invasive ductal cancer. That is the most common type of breast cancer, and can spread from the milk ducts to other parts of the breast or beyond.

More tests were being done to determine how far the cancer has advanced and how to treat it, he said.

Ginsberg said spirits are high at the Edwards household. ”Everybody feels good about it, that this is beatable,” he said.

Edwards, who leaves his North Carolina Senate seat in January, said in a statement, “Elizabeth is as strong a person as I’ve ever known. Together, our family will beat this.”