NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car has revealed she has breast cancer and is taking time out to have treatment.

Car said the cancer was discovered during a recent screening.

Because it was caught early, her doctors are optimistic about her prognosis.

“I’ve faced this challenge before, and I’m determined to beat it again,” the MP for Londonderry said on Tuesday.

“Testing has confirmed this is unrelated to my previous diagnosis.”

Car has been deputy premier of NSW since Labor won government in March 2023.

Her portfolios of Minister for Education and Early Learning and Minister for Western Sydney will be taken over by fellow minister Courtney Houssos while she has her cancer treatment.

“Breast cancer screenings are vital for early detection and treatment, and I strongly encourage all women to stay up to date with their checks,” Car said.

Premier Chris Minns said Car was a fighter and would face her health challenge with determination and grace.

“I fully support her decision to take the time she needs to focus on her health and recovery, and I know she will be supported by expert care and the love of her family, friends, and colleagues,” he said.

“I also echo her important message about early detection and encourage everyone to stay on top of their health checks.”

Car was a Penrith City councillor and national communications manager at MS Australia before she entered parliament.

She was also an adviser to former NSW Labor premier Bob Carr from 2003 to 2005 and a party campaign co-ordinator from 2005 to 2007.

Car, who’s in her early 40s, is not the first woman MP to hold office while facing breast cancer.

Federal Victorian MP Peta Murphy battled a recurrence of breast cancer after she entered parliament in 2019. She died in 2023 aged 50.

-AAP