Senior Cabinet Minister Nikki Kaye Battles Breast Cancer

Cabinet minister Nikki Kaye, 36, has breast cancer and will take leave from work for treatment.

Prime Minister John Key said Kaye was diagnosed on Friday.

"I have spoken with Nikki and assure her she has the full support of her colleagues and I as she deals with this difficult diagnosis."

Nikki Kaye is Minister for Food Safety, Minister of Civil Defence, Minister of ACC, and Minister of Youth Affairs; she is also the Associate Minister of Education and Associate Minister of Immigration.