Rep. Tom Allen, D-Maine, and his wife, Diana, issued this statement this morning regarding her recent diagnosis of breast cancer. It was sent by his campaign spokeswoman, Carol Andrews, to the media.

"In recent days a routine mammogram detected breast cancer in what doctors have described as a very small malignancy believed at this point to be in its early stages. We will not know the entire story until surgery yields more information, but we are very optimistic that Diana will fully recover.

"Along with our daughters and loved ones, we intend to fight this disease privately but wanted to share this news as directly as possible. We very much welcome your thoughts and prayers.

"In the meantime, our campaign for the U.S. Senate will continue and remain vigorous. Diana feels well and we are partners in this campaign as in our lives together. We married almost 40 years ago and in that time we have experienced the joys and challenges of life together and raising a family. We will continue to talk to Maine voters about how we can change the direction of this state and nation.

"We do want to use this announcement as an opportunity to stress the importance of breast exams and mammograms in prevention and early detection of breast cancer. We strongly urge women to work with their own physicians for good health."

Dr. Melinda R. Molin of Portland's Mercy Hospital and Breast Care Specialists, said that while further tests and surgery will provide more conclusive information, Diana Allen is in good health.

"This growth was detected on a mammogram and is much too small to even be felt," Molin said. "At this point Diana is in excellent health. Everything we are seeing suggests this cancer is in very early stages. Diana's attitude is great. We are all positive because everything now suggests an excellent prognosis."

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