Records of presidential candidates show McCain has had melanoma and Obama is using nicotine replacement therapy

The US presidential candidates have released details of their medical condition, in accordance with recent practice of politicians standing for high political office. Ever since it was revealed after his death that John F Kennedy had Addison’s disease, the health of presidential candidates has been considered a matter for public disclosure.

The Republican candidate, John McCain, aged 72, gave permission for the Mayo Clinic to release 1200 pages of his medical records to the press under strict security arrangements. A group of reporters representing the major news agencies and other …