Labour MP announces cancer diagnosis
The Shadow Health Minister says she will still vote in parliament by proxy while recovering from home
One of Labour's MPs has revealed she has skin cancer in a post on social media.
Karin Smyth, who represents Bristol South, said in a thread on X this afternoon (18 April) that she was diagnosed after having surgery on her leg last November.
"I received a melanoma diagnosis before Christmas and recently had a second operation as part of a preventative treatment plan," the Shadow Health Minister said.
"This means that as Parliament returns this week after the Easter break, I will be continuing my recovery at home in Bristol, ahead of further potential treatment."
Ms Smyth also thanks staff at Bristol's two major hospitals, Southmead Hospital and the Bristol Royal Infirmary for looking after her, adding she's been speaking to a skin cancer charity for support.
"I've also found it very helpful speaking to the team at Melanoma Focus, who have provided useful information and guidance about this condition," she said.
"I look forward to working with them in the future, as they continue their important work in researching and raising awareness of this type of skin cancer."
Whilst away from Westminster her constituency office will continue to operate as normal, she says, while she has secured permission to vote in parliament remotely, which is known as voting by proxy.
"This means I will continue to vote on all the issues that matter to Bristol South constituents in the House of Commons," she said.
"I look forward to be doing this in person again soon."
Ms Smyth was first elected as MP for Bristol South in 2015 and was re-elected in both 2017 and 2019.
Prior to being an MP she worked in the NHS, saying the NHS is her "passion".
If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with skin cancer, you can access support via this link.