WALES and Bournemouth footballer David Brooks has been diagnosed with Stage II Hodgkin Lymphoma.

The forward withdrew from Wales’ squad for their games against the Czech Republic and Estonia last week, and has revealed his diagnosis on Twitter.

He described the news as a shock, but stated he had received a positive prognosis and will begin treatment next week.

Brooks thanked the medical staff at Wales detecting the illness.

 

He said: “This is a very difficult message for me to write.

“I have been diagnosed with Stage II Hodgkin Lymphoma and will begin a course of treatment next week.

“Although this has come as a shock to myself and my family, the prognosis is a positive one and I am confident that I will make a full recovery and be back playing as soon as possible.

“I’d like to show my appreciation ot the doctors, nurses, consultants and staff who have been treating me for their professionalism, warmth and understanding during this period.

“I want to thank everyone at the Football Association of Wales because without the swift attention of their medical team we may not have detected the illness.

 

“I’d also like to say thank you to AFC Bournemouth for all their support and assistance this past week.

“Although I appreciated that there will be media attention and interest, I would like to ask that my privacy is respected in the coming months and I will share updates on my progress when I am able to do so.

“In the meantime, thank you to everyone for their messages of support – it means so much and will continue to do so in the months ahead.

“I look forward to seeing you all again and playing the sport I love very soon.”

How to spot Hodgkin Lymphoma

The most common symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is a swelling in the neck, armpit or groin.

The swelling is usually painless, although some people find that it aches.

The swelling is caused by an excess of affected lymphocytes (white blood cells) collecting in a lymph node (also called lymph glands).

Lymph nodes are pea-sized lumps of tissue found throughout the body. They contain white blood cells that help to fight infection.

For more about the symptoms that may appear due to Hodgkin Lymphoma, visit the NHS website.

Hodgkin lymphoma can develop at any age, but it mostly affects young adults in their early 20s and older adults over the age of 70. Slightly more men than women are affected.

Around 2,100 people are diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in the UK each year.