Will Carly Fiorina’s Health Problems Hurt Her Election Chances?
Carly Fiorina has been released from the hospital and back on the campaign trail in the final days before the November 2 elections. Many Angelenos are wondering whether her breast cancer diagnosis and recent hospitalization will impact her chances for reelection. The short answer is probably not. While sympathy for her breast cancer will play a part in some voter’s decision, the more serious concern is that her health could deteriorate during her senate term. From a medical standpoint, if elected, Ms. Fiorina would most likely serve out her term in good health. She is 56 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2009. She then underwent a full course of radiation, chemotherapy, and a double mastectomy. Women who are stricken with cancer in her age group have excellent chances for long-term survival. Many are still in good health decades after the diagnosis. For premenopausal women, the statistics are much worse. Many of these women expire within five years of diagnosis
