Democratic Presidential candidate John Edwards made the right decision. With his wife, he stepped up to the microphone and candidly discussed the recurrence of his wife's cancer. This is no small thing.
Cancer is intimidating - even for the most influential and powerful. In the world of politics, it is often easy to forget that the candidates and their families are just human. There is a perception that they do not share the same kinds of fears and emotions that other people do. When it comes to something like cancer, they are wrong. After lung cancer, breast cancer is the most fatal form of cancer among women. According to studies, the incidence of breast cancer has increased dramatically over the last three decades.
One of the things that makes it especially difficult is that it can occur without any obvious symptoms. In the case of Elizabeth Edwards, she had been especially careful given her earlier diagnosis of breast cancer in 2004. Yet, it was only after an X-Ray for a cracked rib that the recurrence of her cancer was discovered. The diagnosis was metastatic Stage 4 cancer. Her doctor reported that the cancer is treatable but not curable.
There is nothing easy about a diagnosis like Elizabeth Edwards'. Even for public officials, it is not something that is easy to talk about. Despite the smiles and the optimism, there is no doubt that this has to be one of the most difficult things that John and Elizabeth Edwards will have to face.
The Democratic Presidential candidate said: "You can go cower in the corner and hide or you can go out there and stand up for what you believe in. We have no intentions of cowering in the corner." It was a decision that Elizabeth and John Edwards made together. Elizabeth Edwards made clear her determination when she said "I expect to do next week all the things I did last week."
Approximately 200,000 women have reached down deep each year when they get the first diagnosis of breast cancer. Even with the better information and communication now available, it is one of the toughest challenges that they will ever face. The earlier the detection the better.
Experts recommend that women begin with a baseline mammogram at age 35, with a mammogram every two years starting at age 40. Annual mammograms are recommended at age 50. Breast self-examination should be done frequently. It can be one of the most important things that a woman can do for herself.
There is little doubt that the Edwards' life will be much more difficult than they imagined just a few weeks ago. Running for the President is no easy task even in the best of circumstances.
Political opponents will question their motives, and political operatives will raise questions. Political consultants will calculate the political impact and political commentators will talk about the consequences.
Yet, no one should question the Edwards' resolve or their decision. Behind their brave faces are a husband and wife confronting a recurrence of cancer. They decided that Elizabeth's cancer is not a reason to give up on their dreams or to abandon their aspirations.
There may be plenty of reasons that folks disagree with John Edwards over the course of the campaign. Openly and frankly talking about the challenge they face is not one of them.