According to a recent report, Liberal MP Belinda Stronach, who is combating breast cancer, went to California last June for some of her breast cancer treatment.

Greg MacEachern, Stronach’s representative, told that the former cabinet minister had a later-stage surgical operation in the US after her Toronto physicians referred her.

MacEachern said, “Belinda had one of her later-stage operations in California, after referral from her personal physicians in Toronto. Prior to this, Belinda had surgery and treatment in Toronto, and continues to receive follow-up treatment there.”

He told speed was not the issue why she traveled to California.

As an alternative, MacEachern stated that the decision was made as the U.S. hospital was the most effective place to have it done owing to the type of surgery asked.

Last spring, Stronach was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The cancer is one of the more treatable types but Stronach still needed an extirpation that was done in Toronto and breast reconstruction.

The reports added that Stronach, who announced last April that she would be exiting politics before the next election, paid for the surgical treatment in the US.

"As we said back in June when we confirmed the surgery, this is a personal and private matter between Belinda, her family and her physicians. I think you'll understand that because of respect for Belinda's privacy, we refrained from offering specific details around her medical treatment," added MacEachern.

While it is rare for MPs to look for treatment outside Canada, MacEachern told Stronach was not lacking confidence in the system.

"In fact, Belinda thinks very highly of the Canadian health-care system, and uses it when needed for herself and her children, as do all Canadians. As well, her family has clearly demonstrated that support," MacEachern told.

MacEachern didn’t provide further facts about what sort of surgery Stronach had or how much she paid for it.