‘I hope my diagnosis can serve as a reminder that cancer can touch everyone, no matter your age’

Member for Mulgrave Eden Foster, who won the seat at a by-election after Daniel Andrews’ shock resignation, is battling cancer.

Eden Foster says ‘I am determined to fight and win this battle’. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

The Labor MP who replaced Daniel Andrews in his seat of Mulgrave has revealed she is battling cancer.

Eden Foster, who successfully held the former Premier’s seat following his shock resignation last September, revealed the diagnosis on social media on Wednesday.

“After undergoing several medical investigations due to a swollen lymph node in my neck, I have been diagnosed with Stage 1 Lymphoma,” she said.

“I have caught this early, and the prognosis is good.

Ms Foster has been diagnosed with Stage 1 Lymphoma. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“I am determined to fight and win this battle and will shortly start chemotherapy. During this time, I will be focusing on my treatment and recovery.”

Ms Foster said she remained committed to serving as the Member for Mulgrave.

“I am grateful for the support of my colleagues, staff, medical professionals, the team at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and the community,” she said.

“We are incredibly fortunate in Victoria to have access to truly world-class public cancer treatment facilities at Peter Mac.

Ms Foster is due to start chemotherapy soon. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“While being diagnosed with cancer is a shock, I hope my diagnosis can serve as a reminder that cancer can touch everyone, no matter your age.

“Thank you in advance to everyone for extending me privacy while I receive medical treatment and for your support.

“To my wonderful community, who I love and will continue to serve, as usual, reach out to my amazing staff for help at any time.”

Jacinta Allan said she was left heart broken by the news.

“(Eden Foster) is a remarkable woman who has overcome remarkable adversity,” she said.

“Like every Victorian who’s received that terrible diagnosis, my heart is breaking for her.

“But, just as it has before, I know her incredible grit and determination will carry Eden in her fight.

“While she’ll take some time to look after her health – Eden will continue working for the community she loves so much.”

It comes just months after Ms Foster’s Caucus colleague, Emma Vulin, revealed she had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The Pakenham MP, who recovered from a significant stroke when she was 36, has continued to serve in the Victorian parliament.

“The speed at which MND affects people varies for every person. I am in the early stages,” she said at the time.

“I will continue to represent my wonderful community.

“I have recovered from a significant stroke in the past and have the fight in me to continue being the voice for my community in the Pakenham District.”