Geoff Horsfield’s condition does not mean the end of his life as he knows it, a leading Black Country doctor said today.
See also: Striker Geoff faces cancer battle
Dr Satya Vrat Sharma, of Bilston Health Centre, said that the disease need not mean the end of the world with one of the highest cure rates of all cancers.
“Testicular cancer is curable as long as it is caught in time. I have a patient who was diagnosed with the condition 12 years ago, at the age of 31, and he’s still going strong.
“The disease strikes younger men, in their 20s and 30s, so it’s important to check for lumps inside the testicles when you shower or bath. Any lumps found around the testicles are not cancer but if you are in any doubt, see your GP.
“Pain is a very deceitful symptom because it does not occur until a later stage, so don’t wait. The treatment is very successful and you can be back at work and enjoying sports two or three months later.
“It’s unlikely that the disease will affect a man’s ability to become a father. If one testes is removed, the other will function perfectly well on its own.
“The final thing to remember is the importance of having a positive attitude.
“A ‘doom and gloom’ outlook will affect recovery.”
Two other prominent sportsmen diagnosed with testicular cancer went on to enjoy their greatest ever career achievements. Former English jump jockey Bob Champion, now 60, won the 1981 Grand National on Aldaniti whilst in recovery from the disease. At the time he was given only a 40 per cent chance of surviving.
The interest and enthusiasm generated by “racing’s greatest fairytale” led to the foundation in 1983 of The Bob Champion Cancer Trust.
And goalkeeper Matt Duke, 31, who joined Hull City from Burton Albion four years ago, underwent an operation to remove a testicular tumour in January.
He returned to the squad on March 29 to take his place on the bench for a 3-0 victory against Watford and celebrated promotion to the Premiership for the first time in the club’s history.
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