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Friday, April 30, 2004
Roco bares recurrence of prostrate cancer
MANILA -- Alyansa ng Pag-asa presidential standard-bearer Raul Roco disclosed Thursday the results of his medical check-up in Houston, Texas, which traced a recurrence of benign prostrate cancer.
At a press conference Thursday, Roco read the medical bulletin issued by Dr. Larry Hauskin dated April 23.
Roco explained that after undergoing a series of tests, the experts found a very small benign cancer cell that was starting to develop.
Since it was discovered at an early stage, it was immediately removed before the cancer could spread.
"The lengthy interval between Mr. Roco's primary problem and this late recurrence predicts a benign behavior of this problem in the future... It is reasonable to expect a protracted symptom-free interval with successful management of the current complaint," the doctor said.
Roco said he was relieved by "intelligent medicine" and also by the assurance of the doctors that his case is not life-threatening.
He admitted he had previously been operated on for prostate malignancy in 1996.
He also added that for now, there is no need for him to undergo immediate treatment because the condition is controllable.
Roco assured the public that his condition would not be a hindrance to his presidential campaign. He said he is not backing out of the presidential race.
Hauskin said "appropriate measures have been taken to assure him speedy resolution of his symptoms so he can proceed unencumbered in the discharge of his duties as a public servant."
Roco cancelled the campaign sortie in Cavite in order to explain to the public the medical treatment he underwent. The campaign sortie would have been his first after returning to the country after a two-week stay in the US for medical treatment of chronic back pain
Roco returned to the country from Hongkong Wednesday morning where he stayed overnight after traveling from the US.
Early this month, he had announced he would travel abroad for treatment for chronic back pains, which was seen by many as a graceful exit from the race, in which he has trailed in third place in past months.
At a press conference recently, Roco said he is not pulling out of the presidential race despite his condition and that he wants to devote the remaining years of his life to serving the public.
But House House Speaker Jose de Venecia said that Roco's ratings may not fully recover in time for the May 10 elections.
At a press conference in Cagayan de Oro City recently, de Venecia said while voters may sympathize with the former education secretary, this won't be enough to propel him to the top of the presidential race.
"Though we sympathize with Roco's plight the voters are wise and they won't risk voting for an unhealthy President," he said.
A former education secretary and senator, Roco had been trailing behind Arroyo and movie actor Fernando Poe. His ratings fell further after he left.
Roco has styled himself as a reformist, and has a large following among the youth and educated class, surveys have showed. JPM
(April 30, 2004 issue)
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