Tejal Somvanshi
On Tuesday, NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car announced her breast cancer diagnosis and decision to temporarily step away from her governmental responsibilities while focusing on treatment. This health challenge comes after she previously battled kidney cancer in 2022.
In a heartfelt announcement, Car explained that she’ll be taking personal leave for an unspecified period while she undergoes treatment. The cancer was found during a recent screening, highlighting the importance of regular health checks.
“Thankfully, because the cancer was caught early, my doctors are optimistic about my recovery — and so am I,” Car shared in her statement. In a video posted to social media, she added, “I’m going to have to receive some pretty significant treatment,” noting that “the prognosis is good.”
While details about the specific stage of her cancer or exact treatment plan remain private, medical tests have confirmed this diagnosis is not related to her previous cancer battle.
While undergoing medical care, she’ll retain her Deputy Premier position, though Minister Courtney Houssos will take over her Education and Early Learning and Western Sydney portfolios during her absence.
NSW Premier Chris Minns voiced strong support for his deputy. “I know Prue well. She is a fighter, and I know she will face this challenge with the same determination and grace that she brings to everything she does,” Minns stated. He later told Sydney radio station 2GB that keeping Car in the deputy role was non-negotiable.
“I didn’t give her any say on (remaining deputy premier),” Minns said. “She’s gonna dip in and out depending on her treatment and as soon as she’s ready, we’ll have her back in a heartbeat.”
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The premier candidly admitted that Car’s temporary departure impacts the government. “I have to say, her focus at the moment is to focus on recovery (and) get her health back and then get back to work,” he said. “But, I do want to make the point: it’s a blow to the government too.”
Car used her announcement to advocate for preventive healthcare. “Breast cancer screenings are vital for early detection and treatment, and I strongly encourage all women to stay up to date with their checks,” she emphasized. “I am extremely grateful for early detection and to the incredible people who work in the NSW Health system.“
Looking ahead, Car expressed her desire to return to public service. “I look forward to returning to the role I’ve cherished since our government took office in March 2023 — a role I absolutely love,” she said.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosed in women in Australia, with early detection significantly improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.
