West Australian agriculture minister and former federal Labor MP Alannah MacTiernan has revealed she is battling breast cancer.
In a brief statement on Monday, Ms MacTiernan said she had surgery after being diagnosed two months ago and was currently undergoing chemotherapy.
"The prognosis is good," she said in a brief statement.
"My hair has often been a topic of discussion among the political class: I have always wanted the opportunity to wear wigs - now I have an excuse."
She said she was focused on getting on with her job.
"It's happened, you deal with it, the pathway is clear and you get on with it," Ms MacTiernan told reporters.
"That's how my personality works to deal with this stuff.
"But I'm not frightened, I'm confident that I will get through this."
She tweeted her thanks after an outpouring of support, writing: "Confident the war will be over by Christmas!"
Currently an upper house MP with ministerial portfolios including regional development, she was previously the member for the federal seat of Perth and has also served in local government, most notably as the mayor of Vincent.
Australian Associated Press
