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NY congresswoman diagnosed with lung cancer: 'I am a fighter'

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy said she will continue to be a "strong advocate" for the 4th Congressional District of New York despite her diagnosis of lung can
Rep. Carolyn McCarthy speaks during a news conference introducing legislation on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition clips in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 24, 2013. This June, McCarthy announced she was diagnosed with \"treatable\" lung cancer. ...
Rep. Carolyn McCarthy speaks during a news conference introducing legislation on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition clips in Washington, D.C. on...

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy said she will continue to be a "strong advocate" for the 4th Congressional District of New York despite her diagnosis of lung cancer.

"My recent annual health physical revealed that I, like so many millions of Americans, have a treatable form of cancer," the Democrat said in a statement on Monday. "There will be some tough days ahead and I will have to miss activities in Washington during my treatment in New York...I remain committed to improving Long Island’s schools, improving public health and safety, improving our economy, and protecting our seniors and veterans."

McCarthy was a nurse for more than 30 years before beginning her tenure as congresswoman in 1996. During her eight terms in office she has focused on gun control, public health and safety policy, as well as on education. She is the first congresswoman from Long Island.

"I am a fighter," she wrote, "and I am committed to beating this latest challenge in my life."