By Steve Holland
FOUNTAIN HILLS, Arizona (Reuters) - Republican presidentialcandidate John McCain is in good health and has had no recentrecurrence of skin cancer, according to medical recordsreleased on Friday.
The Arizona senator, who turns 72 in August and would bethe oldest elected first-term president if he wins the Novemberelection, "enjoys excellent health and displays extraordinaryenergy," said his physician, Dr. John Eckstein.
"I can find no medical reason or problems that wouldpreclude Senator McCain from fulfilling all the duties andobligations of president of the United States," he said in astatement.
McCain's health records were made available to be viewed bya small group of reporters in Arizona in an effort to put torest lingering questions about his health and ability to handlethe rigors of the presidency.
He had major surgery on his face in 2000 for melanoma, apotentially lethal form of skin cancer. The surgery left anoticeable scar and bulge down the left side of his face.
One source of concern about McCain for many Americans ishis age, and McCain has sought to address any questions bypursuing a vigorous campaign, but until now has not releaseddetailed information about his health.
His body also bears the scars of the 5-1/2 years he spentin a Vietnam prisoner of war camp. He suffered broken boneswhen his plane was shot down over Hanoi and as a captive, hewas beaten regularly.
(Editing by Jackie Frank and Eric Beech)
(To read more about the U.S. political campaign, visitReuters "Tales from the Trail: 2008" online athttp:/blogs.reuters.com/trail08/)
