Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson, who has considered a run for the White House, revealed Wednesday that he has Lymphoma.
Thompson said he was in remission, and that the kind of Lymphoma he's been diagnosed with is treatable. Thompson also said it will not affect his ability to run for president.
Doctors diagnosed Thompson with the lymphoma, a disease that affects the immune system, in 2004.
"I've had no sickness, no symptoms. I wouldn't know I had it if my doctor didn't tell me I had it. I've been able to go about my life," Thompson said in an interview on FOX News.
While there are more than 30 types of lymphoma Thompson's is indolent, or slow growing. He said it will not affect his life span or his ability to campaign if he decides to enter the presidential race.
"If he's not symptomatic and has very minimal disease, I think I would encourage him to do whatever he wants to do," Dr. Emeka Ikpeazu at Nashville General Hospital said.
Thompson said he made the announcement as part of his decision-making process on whether or not to seek the Republican nomination for President.
"The American people have a right to know this. They should voice their opinion on whether or not they think this is a big deal or not. I don't think it's a big concern, as much as a person can know something like that," Thompson said.
Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Bob Davis worked as Thompson's top aide during Thompson's time in the U.S. senate.
"The direct open book conversation he's having with the American people shows he is seriously considering a run, whether he chooses to do that or not, only he knows that," Davis said.
Over the past few months, many conservatives have called on Thompson to run for President.
In fact, a "draft Fred Thompson" committee has been working to gain support for Thompson if he decides to throw his hat in the ring.
