MP upbeat in her battle with cancer
Labour MP and Minister of Conservation Kiri Allan has entered week two of treatment following her cervical cancer diagnosis this month.
“So now the fight of my life begins,” Allan, who was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer, said in a Facebook post.
In a video update posted online yesterday, there were plenty of smiles, laughs and waiata as Allan received chemotherapy while being supported by fellow Labour MP Meka Whaitiri.
Allan said when she shared the news of her diagnosis, people’s first question often was: “Is there anything I can do?”
“My answer now is yes. Please, please, please — encourage your sisters, your mothers, your daughters, your friends — please #Smearyourmea — it may save your life — and we need you right here.”
Allan received a flood of messages of support following the news of her diagnosis.
She has been praised by the Cancer Society for bravely speaking out publicly about it and for encouraging other women to get regular screenings.
Gynaecological oncologist Dr Ai
I know lots of people will be sending their love and support.
Nikki Kaye
Ling Tan said at the time New Zealand desperately needed to introduce HPV primary screening, which was less uncomfortable and meant women could test themselves.
The Hits radio host Stacey Morrison added her support, saying on air how resilient and strong Allan had always been.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern,
Opposition leader Judith Collins and former National MP Nikki Kaye, who fought breast cancer when she was a Cabinet minister, also praised Allan.
In a statement, Kaye said any cancer diagnosis was “very tough”.
“I know lots of people will be sending their love and support from in the Parliament and around NZ. The country will get in behind her.”