B.C. cabinet minister battling cancer

B.C. Environment Minister Barry Penner has announced he has a rare form of cancer and has already undergone two rounds of surgery.

Penner, 41, told a news conference in Vancouver onMonday that a tumour has been removed from his chest and he's getting treatment.

The minister said it's been turbulent few months, with doctors telling him initially that the the tumour was benign.

He said he was shocked to learn by a voice mail messagehe received last month from an oncologist that the tumour wascancerous.

"I still have that subsequent voice message saved on my cell phone, and I can tell you it's a sobering message. I've concluded that cancer is the scariest word in the English language.I'll be honest with you, it's been a bit of a roller coaster."

A second round of surgery was then scheduled.

The rare cancer is known as leiomyosarcoma, which afflicts just four people in a million.

Penner said he felt compelled to go public with the diagnosis after being recognized making several trips to his local hospital.

He said it's early fora prognosis, and that he plans to do his best to get back to full speed as soon as possible.

Premier lends support

The minister made the announcementat the Vancouver cabinet offices on Monday, with Premier Gordon Campbell at his side.

Campbell noted Penner's priority needs to be his health, and that he won't be removed from cabinet and will not be rushed back to work.

"My actual advice to Barry is very straightforward.Whatever it takes, you do what is best for your personal health, and we'll be there to back him up throughout this."

This is the latest in aseries of serious health problems for members of the B.C. Liberal cabinet.

Earlier this year, Attorney General Wally Oppal had surgery for prostate cancer, as did Stan Hagen, minister of Tourism, Sport and the Arts,in 2004.

Liberal MLA Sindi Hawkins was a cabinet minister when she stepped down while successfully battling leukemia several years ago.