Audio clip
City Council Chairman Jack Benson
City Council Chairman Jack Benson said Monday he has been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that can be far less lethal than its cousin melanoma.
"It is not melanoma," Mr. Benson said. "The doctor said it would not kill me."
Mr. Benson, who was elected chairman of the Chattanooga City Council two months ago, said he found last week the skin cancer had spread to his lymph nodes and would require surgery. But he said it would be outpatient surgery and he expects to miss only about half a day from his duties as chairman.
"It's the same thing John McCain had," Mr. Benson said.
He will be able to maintain his council hours and responsibilities, he said.
The American Cancer Society reports that more than 1 million people a year are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer. In 2007, there were 2,740 deaths reported nationwide from such cancers, according to the society.
Councilman Manny Rico said Monday he still has concerns, even if Mr. Benson's cancer is not the more deadly melanoma.
"You can't help to worry," he said. "We need Jack. He's our senior leader in there.
"Hopefully, he'll just have a little surgery and it will all be over," Mr. Rico said.
SKIN CANCER FACTS
* 1 million: Number of non-melanoma skin cancer cases diagnosed per year in the United States
* 59,940: Cases of melanoma diagnosed in 2007
* 8,110: Number of deaths from melanoma in 2007
* 2,740: Number of deaths from non-melanoma skin cancers in 2007
Source: American Cancer Society
Cliff has worked for the Times Free Press for five years and covers Chattanooga city government. He previously covered Rhea County, as well as transportation and growth and development in Southeast Tennessee. A native of Maryville, Tenn., Cliff graduated in 2003 from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis on journalism. Before coming to Chattanooga, he was a crime reporter with Hernando Today, a supplement of The Tampa (Fla.) ...
Why even write or ask Mr. Benson to be interviewed over this subject? He has grandchildren and family. This is not right. The Benson's have already had a death in the family from cancer, why scare them with this? I'm glad Mr. Benson will be fine, try to stay away from sensitive subjects like this.
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