Belinda Stronach Faces Breast Cancer

Belinda Stronach, MP for Newmarket-Aurora and Executive Vice-Chairman at Magna International, is in hospital recovering from surgery for breast cancer. The Toronto Star reports that Stronach was diagnosed with cancer shortly after she announced in April that she would not be running in the next election and was returning to help run Magna, her father's auto-parts company. Diagnosed with DCIS – ductal carcinoma in situ - Stronach underwent a mastectomy and breast reconstruction earlier this week. DCIS is the most common type of non-invasive breast cancer in women. It is a Stage 0 cancer, the earliest form of breast cancer, and is a contained cancer that has not spread beyond the ductal system. With treatment, the chances for a complete recovery are high.

Belinda Stronach has had a high-profile, if brief, political career. Her first step in politics was to run for the leadership of the newly formed Conservative Party in early 2004. Defeated by Stephen Harper, Stronach went on to win a seat in the House of Commons that year and became trade critic for the Conservatives. In 2005, she made a surprise move and switched to the Liberals, just in time to help them win a no-confidence vote, and was Minister of Human Resources for eight months. She has been active in women's issues and an African anti-malaria campaign, but has received more headlines for her association with Peter MacKay, former U.S. president Bill Clinton, and former hockey player Tie Domi.

Photo: Belinda Stronach
Kevin Winter / Getty Images

More on Belinda Stronach and Breast Cancer
Liberal Leader Praises Stronach's Determination to Fight Breast Cancer - National Post
Belinda Stronach Makes Tough Decision in Fight Against Cancer - CNEWS
Breast Cancer in Canada - Canadian Cancer Society
Breast Cancer - About.com