RIORDAN DISCLOSES CANCER TREATMENTS.

Former Mayor Richard Riordan said Friday that he underwent radiation treatments this year for treatment of prostate cancer.

Riordan, 71, who is considering a run for the Republican nomination for governor in 2002, said the cancer was discovered in blood tests earlier this year during his annual physical examination.

``On my doctor's advice, I didn't disclose it,'' Riordan said in a telephone interview. ``He felt the best course was to keep it private so we could concentrate on the treatment without any distractions or added pressure on me.''

Riordan said he received radiation treatments between February and May 1 - his birthday - that did not interfere with his work.

``I would go in for a 5-minute treatment at 7:30 in the morning and then go on to work,'' Riordan said, adding that he suffered no side effects from the treatments and recent tests showed the cancer was gone.

``I've never felt better and look forward to doing more. My doctors said I have a better chance of dying from getting run over than from cancer.''

Riordan said having the cancer would not affect whether he will run for governor next year, a decision he expects to announce in October.

Others, however, suggested the disclosure was meant to get the issue out of the way if he does decide to run.

Dr. Derek Raghavan of USC, who oversaw Riordan's treatment, said the former mayor's prognosis is excellent.