Labor frontbencher Jim Chalmers reveals cancer diagnosis

Labor frontbencher Jim Chalmers will go under the knife this week after revealing he was diagnosed with skin cancer.

Opposition treasury spokesman Jim Chalmers. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Labor frontbencher Jim Chalmers will go under the knife this week after revealing he has skin cancer.

The opposition treasury spokesman said he noticed a mole on his chest and further tests revealed it was a melanoma.

“Last week I became one of around 16,000 Australians diagnosed with skin cancer this year,” Mr Chalmers said on Tuesday.

“I’d mentioned to my doctor in passing that a darker than usual mole had appeared on my chest. Subsequent tests showed it was a melanoma.”

The Queensland politician will undergo surgery this week.

“I’m now booked in for some further surgery on Thursday, but I’ll be stitched up and ready to go soon after,” he said.

“Thanks to my local GP, the specialist at Greenslopes Hospital, and my parliamentary brothers Jason Clare and Graham Perrett for their advice.”

He urged all Australians to get their skin checked, especially if they saw anything unusual.

Colleague Jason Clare thanked Mr Chalmers for sharing his diagnosis.

“Best of luck with the surgery mate,” he said.

“That chat with your doctor saved your life.

“Please everyone, do what Jim did – get a skin check. It could save your life too.”

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