Independent MLC Frank Pangallo talks about his stage four prostate cancer diagnosis

Outspoken parliamentarian Frank Pangallo has opened up about his cancer battle, revealing his prognosis after months of gruelling secret treatment.

Politician Frank Pangallo has opened up about a shock cancer diagnosis. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

Outspoken parliamentarian Frank Pangallo has revealed he was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer last year, missing just one day of work despite undergoing intensive radiation treatment.

Independent MLC Mr Pangallo received the news in December last year, but only made the shock revelation of his cancer journey public on Monday morning.

Mr Pangallo, who was elected to the state’s upper house in 2018, said he decided to “meet the challenge head-on” by continuing his work routine through aggressive treatment.

“Cancer is an insidious killer disease. It comes in many forms, striking without warning. Cancer does not discriminate, from the very young to seniors,” he said.

“Throughout this time, I chose to keep working to fulfil my obligations in representing the best interests of South Australians and also advocating for my constituents.

“I found that staying in touch with my community, colleagues, family and friends was the best therapy for me.”

Frank Pangallo has revealed his shock cancer diagnosis, urging all SA men to get tested. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Emma Brasier

Details of Mr Pangallo’s diagnosis follow fellow upper house MP Michelle Lensink’s revelations last week that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Mr Pangallo said, while there was still a way to go before he received the all-clear from his doctors, he decided to share his cancer battle to encourage all men, no matter their age, to get checked.

“Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in Australian men … it is estimated more than 25,000 Australian men were diagnosed with prostate cancer last year – or about 70 a day,” he said. 

“This was borne home to me during treatment when I learned so many of my friends had been – or are on – a similar journey. 

“However, the good news is that prostate cancer is one of the most treatable cancers and if detected and treated early, can lead to cure. 

“I urge all men, no matter their age, to get checked out next time they visit their doctor. Do not wait a minute. The odds are pretty short that it could happen to you.”

The independent MLC thanked his doctors – Dr Braden Higgs, Dr Raghu Gowda, and Dr Diwei Lin – and staff at the Royal Adelaide Hospital Oncology Unit and the ICON Cancer Centre at Windsor Gardens.

He also extended his gratitude to the biggest rock in his life – and reassured his constituents that he was “not going anywhere soon”. 

“I want to especially thank my wife, Angie, for her incredible unwavering support throughout this difficult time, as well as our wider family,” Mr Pangallo said. 

“Much to their relief, my colleagues in the Upper House will still have to put up with my ‘rhetorical flourish’ with my ‘brief’ questions and speeches for a while yet.”