PROVO — Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, might miss some votes in Congress over the next few weeks after doctors determined his daughter's cancer has returned.

Rachel Cannon, 25, was diagnosed with cancer in 2001. That time, doctors removed a malignant mass from her leg.

The surgery was successful and she was cancer-free for three years.

However, doctors found a recurrence last week during a regular checkup. Cannon has decided to stay home to explore treatment options with the doctors and his family.

"My daughter has had a recurrence of the cancer for which she had surgery and immuno-therapy three years ago," Cannon said in a written statement. "Thus, it will be necessary over the next several weeks to curtail my public schedule and, in some instances, to miss some votes in Washington in order to be in Utah with my family."

Congress is in session and is expected to adjourn until about Oct. 8.

"If there's a critical, close vote that Congressman Cannon is needed for, he'll probably make it back out to D.C.," said Cannon's spokeswoman, Meghan Riding.

In 2001, Cannon also missed a White House lunch with President Bush, who was celebrating his first 100 days in office, because his daughter Rachel Cannon was undergoing cancer treatment.

Cannon, elected by 9,000 votes in 1996, is seeking a fifth term, against Democratic challenger Beau Babka.

Cannon and Babka don't anticipate the cancer treatments to affect the race. Cannon didn't have many campaign events scheduled in September and early October because Congress is in session.

"It's just bad news," said Jeff Bell, Babka's spokesman. "I hope everything's OK. I know Beau wishes her and the Cannon family all the best."

Cannon's campaign will continue to work on his re-election bid, Riding said. Meanwhile, Cannon said he would keep up to date with congressional developments.

"With the exception of my personal appearances, my staff and I will continue to fulfill our congressional duties and will remain engaged in the important work of representing the people and interests of the 3rd District," he said.

"In Utah, we place great importance on our families, and I know my constituents will understand my need to adjust my priorities until this illness is resolved."

---

E-mail: twalch@desnews.com