Barnaby Joyce reveals cancer scare after being re-elected in New EnglandBy Liana BossABC New EnglandTopic:Australian Federal Elections1h ago1 hours agoSun 4 May 2025 at 6:32amNationals MP Barnaby Joyce has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. (ABC News: Nick Haggarty)In short:New England MP Barnaby Joyce will have surgery after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.The Nationals MP, who has retained his seat for a fifth term following the federal election, is positive about his prognosis. What's next? Mr Joyce plans to take some time to recover after his surgery.abc.net.au/news/barnaby-joyce-to-have-prostate-cancer-surgery-after-re-election/105250398Link copiedShareShare articleWhile his supporters were celebrating his retention of the New South Wales seat of New England on Saturday night, Barnaby Joyce was quietly preparing for cancer surgery.The Nationals MP, and former deputy prime minister, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.Mr Joyce, 58, says he received the diagnosis following a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, which he took at the insistence of his general practitioner. "I had a PSA test, which all men should get," he said. Mr Joyce said he returned an "elevated" result, leading to an MRI and biopsy before his diagnosis. "Prostate cancer, if you get it early, is very, very treatable; in fact, about 97 per cent successful," he said."So I'm very blessed and lucky to discover this early. "I'll have the operation on Monday and I will then have a couple of days in hospital and will recuperate after that."Mr Joyce casts his vote in the 2025 federal election at his old school in Woolbrook. (Supplied)Mr Joyce returned to his former school in Woolbrook to cast his vote on Saturday, and the seat of New England was called in his favour later that night with a swing in his favour. Election essentials:Federal election updates and live resultsHow Labor carved a path to a landslide victoryWhat was the result in your seat? Look up the map of your regionThe maverick MP is positive about his prognosis and his capacity to continue in the role. "If I thought it was very serious, of course I'd resign, but my doctors or surgeons say, 'You're very lucky you've got it early.'"Having had no symptoms to indicate anything was wrong, Mr Joyce said his experience should encourage other men to get tested. "I was lucky because I've got a very diligent general practitioner," he said."She insisted on me getting a PSA and wasn't I lucky that she did that, because otherwise we'd be having a different conversation in a couple of years' time." Mr Joyce, pictured at an event in Cessnock during the election campaign, is positive about his prognosis. (ABC News: Laurence Curson)Mr Joyce said the election campaign was a "welcome distraction" and he was adamant about keeping his diagnosis private during that time. "I just didn't want to distract from the campaign," he said."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."Coalition to regroup after landslide Mr Joyce has also given a typically blunt appraisal of the federal election."We lost, didn't we, and you can't spin it any other way," he said."If you do and try to sort of embellish it and gild the lily, then you are not fixing up the problems that you had."Read more about the federal election:It took just over two hours to call time on Dutton's two decades in federal politicsHave Your Say: What was the issue, policy or event that decided your vote?Federal election map: See a quick snapshot of how the parties are performingWant even more? Here's where you can find all our 2025 federal election coverageCatch the latest interviews and in-depth coverage on ABC iview and ABC ListenOn a catastrophic night for the Coalition, Mr Joyce was returned with an increased majority.He said there were similar swings towards the Nationals in seats such as Riverina, Flynn and Dawson."But unfortunately we have lost a senator and we didn't win back the seat of Calare."When asked about David Littleproud (pictured right), Mr Joyce says it will be up to the party room to discuss. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)Mr Joyce was non-committal when asked about the performance of party leader David Littleproud, who comfortably retained his seat of Maranoa."I'll leave everything to the party room for their discussions on that," he said."As we know after any election that is an issue that is discussed."When asked about whether he had any aspirations to return to the party's top job, the former leader said he was "not contending that at this time at all"."But once more I'll leave that to the party room, I think we need to have an honest conversation," he said.A dignified exitMr Joyce was more effusive when asked about departing Liberal leader Peter Dutton, who lost his own seat of Dickson to the ALP."Peter has done a tremendous job for our nation, and no-one can ever take that away from him," he said."In a funny way it's probably a bit of a blessing in disguise not to have to go back and go through the ignominy of standing in front of a baying crowd after an election like that."To go out in the very dignified way he did on election night was the best conclusion you can hope for in the situation you find yourself."LoadingLoading...Having trouble seeing this form? Try this link. Posted 1h ago1 hours agoSun 4 May 2025 at 6:32am, updated 1h ago1 hours agoSun 4 May 2025 at 6:57amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesLabor victory a 'win for the ages'Topic:ElectionsPhoto shows Smiling Albanese with a coffee at a table with trees behind'Tough results' for Greens, as leader Adam Bandt fights close contest for his seatTopic:Australian GreensPhoto shows Adam Bandt faces several microphones while holding a giant novelty red toothbrush.Labor set for easier Senate as Pocock, Lambie risk being sidelinedTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows David Pocock sits behind Jacqui Lambie while she speaks in the senateAnthony Albanese enters the Labor pantheonCAnalysis by Casey BriggsPhoto shows Four people on stage hold hands in triumph as the crowd takes photosVotes in blue ribbon Sydney seat 'extremely close', result could take daysTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows Three people stand on a stage celebratingRelated storiesWho is Ali France? 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