Nation IN BRIEF : NORTH CAROLINA : Helms Being Treated for Prostate Cancer

Sen. Jesse Helms is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, according to a letter released by his Raleigh, N.C., office. Dr. Robert C.J. Krasner, in another letter Helms’ office released, said early prostate cancer was detected in the senator in June and radiation therapy was begun. Krasner said Helms is expected to make a “complete and uneventful” recovery. Helms, a 69-year-old Republican known for his staunch conservatism, said he has experienced no side-effects from the treatment and continues working. Helms, elected last year to a fourth term, announced in July that he had been diagnosed with Paget’s disease, a bone disorder that causes weakened and deformed bones. He said doctors prescribed pills to fight it.