Republican presidential hopeful John McCain has overcome his share of medical problems in the past but is in good health now, according to recently released records.
McCain is cancer-free after overcoming melanoma three times, and has a strong heart and enjoys overall good health.
But McCain does have a relatively high chance of developing new skin cancers and goes through regular health checks to ensure he is still cancer free.
More than 1,000 pages of medical documents were released by McCain's campaign team.
They cover the period of 2000 to 2008 and are intended to convince the American voting public that McCain, who turns 72 in August, is fit enough to handle the presidency.
McCain's lead Democratic rival, Barack Obama, who turns 47 in August, is active and says he has quit smoking.
The documents reveal the following about McCain's health:
- McCain frequently has precancerous skin lesions removed.
- In February, he had an early stage squamous cell carcinoma, an easily cured skin cancer, removed.
- In March, he had benign colon growths called polyps taken out.
- He has degenerative arthritis from war injuries that might mean a future joint replacement.
- His blood pressure and weight are healthy.
- His cholesterol is good but not optimal -- and he switched medication from the controversial Vytorin to a proven standby, simvastatin.
Neither Obama, nor his rival for the Democratic nomination, Hillary Clinton, have released their health records.
McCain's performance during a recent heart stress test at the Mayo Clinic was strong, according to his longtime personal physician, Dr. John Eckstein.
He said McCain lasted 10 minutes while much younger patients often bow out after five or seven minutes.
"I think physiologically he is considerably younger than his chronologic age based on his cardiovascular fitness,'' Eckstein told The Associated Press on Thursday.
McCain's three bouts with melanoma, however, are of concern.
Three spots of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, were removed without incident. However, a spot on his left temple that was removed in 2000 was invasive melanoma and was considered an "intermediate risk."
However, a dermatologist told AP she saw no reason why McCain's medical history would preclude him from running for office.
