EDITORIAL
Lingle did well to share her breast cancer scare

Thankfully, Gov.-elect Linda Lingle has tested negative for breast cancer, and we would like to commend our next governor for her willingness to share the results of her brush with this potentially fatal yet very treatable disease.

Not only is it important for our political leaders to be upfront about serious ailments, but it's also a bonus if they're able to spread awareness of diseases that are curable if caught early. Lingle has scored on both counts.

One in nine women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

The good news is, more than 90 percent of people with breast cancer will survive the disease if it is detected early. That's why it's important to get regular mammograms after the age of 40.

In 49-year-old Lingle's case, a mammogram in April indicated an abnormality, and a follow-up needle biopsy in July showed atypical cells but tested negative for cancer. The results of last Tuesday's needle biopsy also showed no signs of cancer.

Lingle can rest easier now as she enters what is arguably the toughest job in the state. Meanwhile, we hope her high-profile scare will inspire others in Hawai'i to get screened for breast cancer.

Correction: Lung cancer is the leading cancer in both incidence and mortality for men and for women. A previous version of this editorial contained incorrect information.