Sen. McCaskill has breast cancer, expects full recovery

Washington, DC, February 23, 2016

POLITICO

Sen. McCaskill has breast cancer, expects full recovery

By Eliza Collins

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) revealed Monday that she has breast cancer but expects to recover fully.

“I very recently learned that I have breast cancer. It was detected through a regular mammogram. It’s a little scary, but my prognosis is good and I expect a full recovery,” McCaskill wrote in a blog post Monday. “I will be in St. Louis for the next 3 weeks receiving treatment."

The 62-year-old lawmaker said that she will keep constituents updated on her website and will submit questions in writing for any missed hearings.

Several current senators are cancer survivors, including Angus King (I-Maine), Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-S.D.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.). Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the head of the Democratic National Committee, is also a breast cancer survivor.

McCaskill is the state's senior senator and a prominent supporter of Hillary Clinton for president this year, after backing Barack Obama in 2008. She spent decades as a state and local lawmaker in Missouri, including two terms as state auditor. She was elected to the Senate in 2006, and won reelection in 2012 against former Republican Rep. Todd Akin.

McCaskill boosted Akin in the primary that year with ads because she viewed him as the weakest general election opponent. The gamble paid off when Akin's candidacy tanked after his infamous "legitimate rape" remark.

She has been a vocal advocate for reforming how the military handles cases of sexual assault.

Polticians from both sides of the aisle gave their best wishes to McCaskill after the news broke.

"@clairecmc If ever cancer picked the wrong person to mess with, it's you. Stay strong and take care of yourself. I'm in your corner. -H," Clinton tweeted.

"Praying for my colleague Senator @clairecmc’s full and speedy recovery as she fights breast cancer," Florida Sen. Marco Rubio's press account tweeted.

"Praying for a quick and speedy recovery for @clairecmc," South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham messaged over Twitter.

"Janna's & my thoughts are with @clairecmc during this trying time," House Speaker Paul Ryan said in a tweet.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2016/02/claire-mccaskill-breast-cancer-219636#ixzz40wrOWWlA