NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- One of the two candidates for mayor is talking about something he's hasn't discussed in a while: his battle with lung cancer.

Special Section: Nashville Mayoral Race

In 2004, Bob Clement had the surgery in Nashville to remove the growth.

He said the cancer was discovered during a doctor visit, and he had no idea this was the reason he wasn't feeling so well.

"It was malignant, but I didn't have any chemo, no radiation, and no problem since that time," said Clement.

He feels early detection is what has allowed him to live.

"I'm very, very fortunate because they found it early. It was very small and very confined. It was a carcenoid tumor, which is foreign to the lung," said Clement.

He said he gets a yearly physical, and while he isn't required to get mandatory follow-ups with his surgeons, he had a recent check.

The candidate said he's been given a clean bill of health.

"A-OK, 100 percent. No chemo, no radiation, and I don't have to take medication because of that surgery," said Clement.

He said his cancer hasn't been a secret and brought up that he issued a press release even though he didn’t hold any political office at the time. He has also spoken at some survivor events about beating cancer.

"I got a clean bill of health. Everything's all right. I'm moving forward," said Clement.

To be fair for this story, Channel 4 contacted the other mayoral candidate, Karl Dean, regarding his health. His spokeswoman said he is in good health and works hard to take care of himself.

Clement's doctor told Channel 4 that the tumor was considered to be low-grade and doesn't put a patient at a greater risk of developing other types of cancer. His doctor also said that Clement is cured.