Federal member for Rankin Jim Chalmers is due to have surgery Thursday to remove a melanoma from his chest.
Dr Chalmers said he noticed a mole about six months ago, but only just got around to having it checked.
He said his doctor removed the mole from his chest three days later and sent it for testing, leaving Dr Chalmers and his family with an agonising wait for the results.
Two days later it was confirmed as skin cancer.
Dr Chalmers said he wishes he had decided to have it checked sooner.
“My advice to everyone is, if you spot something dodgy on your skin, get it sorted straight away,” he said.
