INDReporter

Former Gov. Blanco diagnosed with cancer

by Walter Pierce

A press release issued Wednesday afternoon identifies the cancer as choroidal melanoma.

According to her publicist, former Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco has been diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer. A press release issued Wednesday afternoon identifies the cancer as choroidal melanoma. According to the Eye Cancer Network, "It is important to note that as compared to like-sized malignant melanoma of the skin, patients are much more likely to survive a choroidal melanoma. This is because it is much more difficult for a choroidal melanoma to spread from (get out of) the eye to other parts of the body."

Blanco's press release reads:

Former Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco has been diagnosed with choroidal melanoma, a rare eye cancer that affects roughly six in 1 million people.  It was discovered in one eye during a comprehensive eye exam and confirmed by cancer specialists in early June. The Blancos are grateful for your support and ask for your prayers. Since this will be a challenging time for the family, information, updates and communication regarding the governor will be posted through Caring Bridge. She will receive your messages regularly.

Read more here.