Hahn to Begin Cancer Radiation Therapy

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn will begin radiation treatments next month for cancer discovered in his prostate, a spokesman said Monday.

Doctors said the prognosis for controlling the growth--known as an adenocarcinoma--should be good, according to Dan Wolf, Hahn’s press deputy. Tests showed no sign that the cancer had spread to the bone, Wolf said.

Dr. Donald Skinner, professor of surgery at USC and chairman of the urology department at County-USC Medical Center, said such cancer is “fairly common.” Skinner is not treating Hahn, but commented on the basis of research and experience in dealing with prostate cancer.

Assuming the cancer has not spread, the prognosis is “pretty good” and the 67-year-old supervisor should be able to continue working while undergoing treatment, Skinner said.

Typically, however, patients feel more discomfort toward the end of radiation treatments and Hahn may wish to take some time off, Skinner said.

‘Should Have a Good Outcome’

Told of Hahn’s various blood and tissue test results, as relayed by Wolf, Skinner said, “That’s very positive. That should have a good outcome from (radiation) therapy. . . . It should not affect his ability to perform (during another) four-year term.”

Hahn returned home Monday after undergoing surgery last week at Daniel Freeman Memorial Hospital in Inglewood for an enlarged prostate. Wolf said the supervisor will recuperate at home for about two weeks and is expected attend the board’s next regular meeting July 12.

Hahn will undergo four to six weeks of radiation therapy at Daniel Freeman as an outpatient beginning next month, Wolf said.

The supervisor, who was recently reelected to a 10th four-year term despite concerns among some supporters about his health, remains partly paralyzed from a major stroke he suffered last year.

Hahn, who missed many meetings after returning to the board last August, has made some physical gains recently, including walking short distances with a cane.

Skinner said there should be no increased concern about Hahn’s stroke condition as a result of the radiation therapy.