South Australian independent upper house MP Frank Pangallo has revealed he has stage 4 prostate cancer.

In a statement, the member of the Legislative Council said the 69-year-old received the diagnosis in December and has undergone intensive radiation treatment since.

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

“Cancer is an insidious killer disease. It comes in many forms, striking without warning.

“However, the good news is that prostate cancer is one of the most treatable cancers and, if detected and treated early, can lead to a cure.”

Mr Pangallo said he had received “some good news” following recent test results last week but said there was still a long way to go before he could get the all-clear from his doctors.

He said he shared his diagnosis publicly to raise awareness about prostate cancer, which is the second most common cause of cancer death in Australian men.

“Early detection is critical,” he said.

“It is estimated more than 25,000 Australian men were diagnosed with prostate cancer last year – or about 70 a day.

“I urge all men, no matter their age, to get checked out next time they visit their doctor. Do not wait a minute. The odds are pretty short that it could happen to you.”

Mr Pangallo said he intends to continue carrying out his duties in the state’s Legislative Council while he receives treatment.

“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,

“I am not going anywhere soon.”

Mr Pangallo – a former Today Tonight journalist – announced he would serve the remainder of his term as an independent MP in December after leaving minor political party SA Best.

Last week, Liberal upper house colleague Michelle Lensink revealed a breast cancer diagnosis.

Ms Lensink intends to continue as a shadow minister, fulfilling her role in the state’s Legislative Council.