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McCain fit to be president
23/05/2008 22:06 - (SA)
Stephen Collinson
Washington - Republican White House pick John McCain, 71, has no medical condition that would bar him from the presidency, his doctors said on Friday, as his campaign released health records to defuse questions about his age.
Despite bouts with skin cancer and lingering effects of Vietnam war wounds, Senator McCain's physicians said he is in excellent health, shows "extraordinary energy" and has no evidence of heart disease.
The Arizona senator, who turns 72 in August, would be the oldest president ever inaugurated for a first term, and age issues will likely surface, especially if he faces a much younger Democratic opponent in Barack Obama, 46.
Victor Trastek, Chief Executive of the Mayo Clinic in Arizona detailed McCain's medical history in a statement distributed by the campaign, with summaries by internal medicine, dermatology and cancer care specialists.
The Arizona senator has had four malignant melanomas removed, but no recurrence of skin cancer since 2002, the clinic said.
"While it is impossible to predict any person's future health, today I can find no medical reason or problems that would preclude Senator McCain from fulfilling all the duties and obligations of President of the US," said internal medicine specialist John Eckstein.
Legacy of injuries
McCain had surgery for an invasive melanoma on his left temple in 2000, which left a deep scar along the side of his face, and now has a skin examination every three to four months, said dermatologist Suzanne Connolly.
He takes medication to lower cholesterol, prevent kidney stones and uses aspirin to halt development of blood clots, the doctors said.
McCain also suffers from reduced motion in his arms, shoulders and right knee, the legacy of injuries sustained when his navy warplane was shot down, and he was tortured during five-and-a-half years in a Hanoi prison.
McCain's records were released on the day before a long Memorial Day holiday weekend, in an apparent attempt to lessen media coverage.
The spotlight will likely also quickly shift to McCain's meeting this weekend at his Arizona ranch with several possible vice presidential contenders.
- AFP
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