Austrian health minister returns to duties following cancer surgery

Austrian Minister of Health Sabine Oberhauser on Tuesday attended her first cabinet meeting since her surgery for abdominal cancer about four weeks ago, marking a return to her official duties.

"I am really glad to be here again," the minister said in a statement to the media prior to cabinet.

Oberhauser said following the "relatively large operation" she was quite pleased with how the course of treatment had run, even though she had expected it to occur more quickly.

"Patience is not one of my greatest virtues," she added, and that her body had let her know she had to allow for more time. She had undergone her most recent chemotherapy treatment just four days ago, she said.

Following the operation Oberhauser said she had kept in touch with her office and the latest political developments, and now hopes to again "do as much as possible."

She stressed, however, this is a "personal choice," adding that she does not want to send a signal that work has to come before all else. Endit