Ann Richards Diagnosed With Cancer

Ann Richards, former Gov of Texas has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer according to her own reports. She will undergo therapy at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Seventy two year old Ann Richards was diagnosed with esophageal cancer yesterday, said spokesman Bill Maddox. More tests are underway to determine the extent of the cancer.

Ms. Richards served as a Democratic Governor in Texas from 1991 to 1995 until, but lost re-election bid to George W. Bush. Since 2001, she has been an adviser at a public relations and lobbying firm.

Esophageal cancer is a relatively rare disease, which affects about 15,000 persons per year in the United States. Incidence of esophageal cancer is three times more in males compared to females. It is also three times more common in the African Americans compared to the Caucasian population. Esophageal cancer occurs much more frequently in a number of developing countries including China and India and parts of Africa. For example the occurrence of esophageal cancer china is 20 to 30 fold higher compared to United States.