Fiona Patten shares cancer diagnosis

Fiona Patten has cancer.

The Reason Party leader shared her diagnosis on Tuesday.

She’ll be having surgery in the coming weeks to remove one of her kidneys.

“With an election just around the corner, the timing of this is unfortunate but any cancer diagnosis is never timely. My prognosis is good; the belief is that the disease has not spread and that I should make a quick and full recovery,” Fiona Patten said.

“So many of us are touched by cancer these days – as patients, friends, relatives, carers, and health and medical staff.

“I have wonderful support medically and personally and realise how lucky I am in this respect. Many people with a cancer diagnosis cannot afford private health insurance or the best medical care.

“Some have limited or no personal support at all. I hope to use the experience to help others in a similar situation.

“Many people stay silent upon a cancer diagnosis and are fearful of telling people because they will be judged or pitied. I want people to be able to talk about their health, be that physical or mental. I hope that by being public and transparent it might help others do the same.

“The surgery will interrupt my election campaign a little and no doubt I will be campaigning for some of that time from a hospital bed.

“But we have learned a lot over COVID and I imagine I will be back on Zoom with a vengeance while I am not allowed out on the hustings.”