In a surprising turn of events following his recent re-election, Barnaby Joyce, the Nationals MP for New England, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The 58-year-old politician shared the news with his supporters on May 4, 2025, just a day after securing his fifth term in the federal election, where he received 67.5% of the two-party-preferred vote, marking a 2% swing in his favor.
Joyce, who previously served as the deputy prime minister, stated that he will undergo surgery on May 5, 2025. He expressed a positive outlook regarding his prognosis, attributing his early diagnosis to a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test recommended by his general practitioner. "I had a PSA test, which all men should get," he emphasized, noting that the test returned an "elevated" result, prompting further investigation through an MRI and biopsy.
During an interview with ABC News, Joyce conveyed his relief at having caught the cancer early, stating, "Prostate cancer, if you get it early, is very, very treatable; in fact, about 97 per cent successful. So I'm very blessed and lucky to discover this early." He reassured his constituents that if he believed his condition was severe, he would resign from his position, but his medical team has advised him that he is fortunate to have detected the cancer at an early stage.
Despite the challenges posed by his health, Joyce maintained that he felt ready to continue serving in his role. He also urged other men to be proactive about their health and to get tested regularly. "I was lucky because I've got a very diligent general practitioner," he said, crediting her insistence on the PSA test for his timely diagnosis. "Otherwise, we'd be having a different conversation in a couple of years' time."
Joyce's announcement comes at a time when he is also reflecting on the recent election results, where the Coalition faced significant losses, leading to a reshuffling of leadership roles within the party. While he celebrated his own victory, he acknowledged the broader challenges facing the Nationals and the Coalition, stating, "We lost, didn't we, and you can't spin it any other way." He highlighted that the party had suffered losses in other areas, including the Senate, and noted the defeat of former Liberal leader Peter Dutton in his own seat.
In light of his diagnosis, Joyce chose to keep his health matters private during the election campaign, stating, "I just didn't want to distract from the campaign. I knew it would turn into a bit of a circus. I wanted the campaign to focus on the campaign and I didn't think this issue needed to be a part of that." He described the campaign as a "welcome distraction" from his health concerns.
Prostate cancer is a significant health issue in Australia, being the second most common cancer diagnosed in men and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Federal government statistics indicate that one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85, with approximately 18,000 new cases reported each year. Early detection is crucial, as many cases can be treated successfully.
Joyce's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of regular health check-ups, particularly for men over the age of 50, who are at a higher risk for prostate cancer. Symptoms of the disease can include a frequent need to urinate, difficulty starting or stopping urination, weak urine flow, painful urination, and blood in urine or semen. However, many men may not exhibit symptoms until the cancer has progressed.
As he prepares for surgery, Joyce has been advised by his family to take time to recuperate post-operation. He humorously noted that his wife has instructed him to avoid any strenuous activities, saying, "My wife has told me I’m not allowed to go into the paddock, no fencing, no ducking out to the paddock to do a bit of cattle work."
Looking ahead, Joyce is optimistic about his recovery and his ability to continue serving his constituents. He plans to spend a couple of days in the hospital following his surgery before taking time off to rest and recuperate. His commitment to his role as an MP remains strong, as he aims to return to work after his recovery.
Joyce's diagnosis and his candid sharing of it highlight the need for increased awareness and proactive health measures among men, particularly regarding prostate health. His call for others to get tested serves as a powerful message in the context of a disease that affects so many but is often overlooked until it reaches advanced stages.
As Joyce navigates this personal health challenge, he continues to embody the resilience and determination that have characterized his political career. His story resonates not only within his constituency but also across Australia, where many men may find inspiration in his proactive approach to health and wellness.
