Labour minister and MP Kiri Allan is using her announcement on being cancer-free to encourage others to have regular testing for different forms of cancer.
Kiri Allan Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Allan completed treatment for stage 3 cervical cancer in June after announcing her diagnosis in April.
She said she received a call from her oncologist today telling her that the scan she had earlier this week showed no signs of residual cancer.
On a post on Facebook, she said it was hard to describe her feelings, and she had dreaded that she could get "a different kind of phone call".
There would still be a five-year period where she would need to be tested every six months, and at the end of that period she hoped to be able to say it would be unlikely for the cancer to return.
"However, this is such a huge milestone for my family and I after a year that has been challenging for all, for so many reasons. I am so grateful to every single person that has supported our family through this journey, and the incredible medical staff that have saved my life to date."
Allan admitted that the disease had caught her out "and I was not prepared for what would follow".
She appealed to other New Zealanders to use the medicine, science and expertise so that different forms of cancer could be detected a lot earlier than in her case.
"Please, to all my sisters out there, take time to have your cervical smears, your mammograms, and all other health checks; to all my brothers out there, let the doctors have a look and take a prod - it may just one day save your life - and your family wants you, needs you, to stay healthy for them."
Allan said her latest Facebook post would be her last public post about her cancer experience "but my whānau and I wanted to share this news with you all, given the support for us has been immeasurable and we are incredibly grateful".
Many people congratulated Allan with typical comments including: "So very happy for you Kiri. What a great Christmas you will have. Absolutely love your mahi." and "Such wonderful news Kiri - there are so many of us wrapping you in aroha."