When the cancer comes back

St. Paul, Minn. — When Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, announced that her cancer had recurred, the reaction from the Republican White House was quick and sympathetic.

Press Secretary Tony Snow had some supportive words borne out of his own survival with colon cancer. Days later, it was Tony Snow himself announcing that his own cancer had recurred, and even spread to his liver.

In light of these high-profile stories, MPR's Tom Crann asked our medical analyst Dr. Jon Hallberg about his clinical experience with cancer, and its recurrence.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, 03/30/2007, 6:20 p.m.