Labor MP Jim Chalmers diagnosed with skin cancer

A passing comment to his doctor about a darker-than-usual mole on his chest may have just saved a Labor MP’s life.

Queensland Labor MP Jim Chalmers has opened about a skin cancer scare.

The opposition Treasury spokesman took to Twitter on Tuesday to reveal the shock diagnosis.

Jim Chalmers represents the seat of Rankin, which includes voters in Brisbane and Logan councils. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

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

“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.”

Remember: have your skin checked, especially if you spot something unusual. More info 👉 https://t.co/jNnLQAj0HY

— Jim Chalmers MP (@JEChalmers) November 24, 2020

The father of three is booked in to have surgery on Thursday, but said he’d be “stitched up and ready to go soon after”.

Parliament will resume next week for the final two sitting fortnights of the year.