Robin Carnahan to undergo treatment for breast cancer

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Secretary of State Robin Carnahan said Monday that she has breast cancer but will continue to work, as much as she can, while she undergoes treatment.

Carnahan, 44, issued a written statement saying she was recently diagnosed and is talking with doctors and family members to develop a treatment plan.

"I feel very lucky," she said. "Because we caught this at an early stage, doctors expect that after treatments I will have a full recovery."

Carnahan, a Democrat, began a four-year term as secretary of state in January 2005. She is the daughter of the late Gov. Mel Carnahan and former U.S. Sen. Jean Carnahan.

"Right now, like so many other women, I am determined to fight this disease and win," Carnahan said.