In a statement on Monday morning, Pangallo said that in December he was diagnosed with “aggressive stage four prostate cancer” and had since undergone radiation treatment.

“Throughout this time, I chose to keep working to fulfill my obligations in representing the best interests of South Australians and also advocating for my constituents,” he said.

“I decided to meet this challenge head on by firstly staying positive, and secondly, continuing my normal work routine. I only missed one day of work. I found that staying in touch with my community, colleagues, family and friends was the best therapy for me.”

Pangallo said that last week he received “some good news” after recent tests “although there is still a way to go before I can get the all-clear from my doctors”.

The MLC said he went public because prostate cancer was the second most common cause of death from cancer in Australian men, about 70 cases a day were diagnosed last year, and early detection was critical.

Pangallo also promised that “I am not going anywhere soon”.

“Much to their relief, my colleagues in the Upper House will still have to put up with my ‘rhetorical flourish’ with my ‘brief’ questions and speeches for a while yet,” he said.

Last week, Liberal MLC Michelle Lensink revealed that she had breast cancer and was undergoing treatment but would continue in her roles as a parliamentarian and shadow minister.