Katie Allen announces stage 4 cancer diagnosis, days after contesting federal electionTopic:Government and Politics34m ago34 minutes agoThu 8 May 2025 at 9:59amKatie Allen announced a cancer diagnosis on social media on Thursday. (ABC News)In short:Former Liberal MP Katie Allen has announced her diagnosis of a rare form of cancer.She said in a statement to social media that it was a stage 4 diagnosis which has spread.Dr Allen contested the seat of Chisholm in the recent federal election, but was unsuccessful.abc.net.au/news/liberal-mp-katie-allen-cancer-diagnosis-chisholm/105270968Link copiedShareShare articleFormer Liberal MP Katie Allen has announced her diagnosis with a rare form of cancer, just days after contesting her former seat in the federal election.In a post to social media, Dr Allen said the diagnosis was of a type of cancer known as cholangiocarcinoma."It's a stage 4 diagnosis and has already spread," Dr Allen said."I know there are difficult days ahead, but I'm facing this with clarity and determination."Dr Allen served as the member for the now-abolished seat of Higgins from 2019 to 2022.She made headlines in 2022 after crossing the floor to side with Labor on amendments to a religious discrimination bill.Katie Allen served as Member for Higgins from 2019 to 2022. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)In the most recent election, she challenged incumbent Labor MP Carina Garland in the seat of Chisholm, but was unsuccessful in regaining the seat.Dr Allen said she would use her own decades of medical experience to ground her."As a doctor, I've stood besides many patients and their families during moments like this," she said."I've seen incredible courage, dignity and strength in those facing adversity — and I'll be drawing on those examples now, as I walk this path myself."Messages of support flow from colleagues and peersFollowing the announcement, Liberal politicians and candidates from both state and federal levels showed their support through social media messages.Victorian Shadow Attorney-General Michael O'Brien sent his best wishes in a post."Katie, I'm so sorry to hear this. You were such an amazing candidate in Chisholm and showed such energy, grace and determination," Mr O'Brien said.Liberal MP Keith Wolahan, who also contested the 2025 election, expressed his admiration for Dr Allen."I am so sorry Katie. You are deeply loved and admired. We are here for you and your family," Mr Wolahan said.Posted 34m ago34 minutes agoThu 8 May 2025 at 9:59amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesSecond minister booted from cabinet as PM prepares reshuffleLIVEPhoto shows Ed Husic wearing a blue suit sitting in an office.More women in Labor than ever but top jobs still going to menBAnalysis by Brett WorthingtonPhoto shows Anika Wells Amanda Rishworth Katie Gallagher Anne AlyJacinta Nampijinpa Price joins Liberal Party as leadership race heats upTopic:Political Parties and MovementsPhoto shows A close up shot of a woman wearing a white blazer and black and white shirt.Conclave's second day begins with more black smoke as voting continuesTopic:Religious LeadersPhoto shows Black smoke spewing from a chimney.Cabinet ministers Mark Dreyfus, Ed Husic scrapped from new Albanese ministryTopic:Political LeadershipPhoto shows a composite image of two men wearing suitsPopular nowSecond minister booted from cabinet as PM prepares reshuffleLIVEPhoto shows Ed Husic wearing a blue suit sitting in an office.Conclave's second day begins with more black smoke as voting continuesTopic:Religious LeadersPhoto shows Black smoke spewing from a chimney.Accused killer Erin Patterson breaks down in court at daughter's testimonyTopic:CourtsPhoto shows A close up photo of Erin Patterson looking over her shoulder wearing glases.Related topicsCancerGovernment and PoliticsVICTop StoriesSecond minister booted from cabinet as PM prepares reshuffleTopic:Government and PoliticsPhoto shows Ed Husic wearing a blue suit sitting in an office.More women in Labor than ever but top jobs still going to menBAnalysis by Brett WorthingtonJacinta Nampijinpa Price joins Liberal Party as leadership race heats upTopic:Political Parties and MovementsConclave's second day begins with more black smoke as voting continuesTopic:Religious LeadersCabinet ministers Mark Dreyfus, Ed Husic scrapped from new Albanese ministryTopic:Political LeadershipJust InMan walks free after fatally stabbing sister's boyfriend five timesTopic:Courts30m ago30 minutes agoThu 8 May 2025 at 10:02amFormer Liberal MP Katie Allen announces diagnosis of rare cancerTopic:Government and Politics34m ago34 minutes agoThu 8 May 2025 at 9:59amConclave's second day begins with more black smoke as voting continuesTopic:Religious Leaders25m ago25 minutes agoThu 8 May 2025 at 10:07amOprah was the face of Weight Watchers. Her exit foreshadowed the brand's bankruptcyTopic:Explainer54m ago54 minutes agoThu 8 May 2025 at 9:39amMore Just InBack to top