Cancer-stricken Hartson is critically ill

Published on Wednesday 15 July 2009 22:12

FORMER Celtic striker John Hartson was in a critical condition last night after undergoing emergency neurosurgery to relieve pressure on his brain, following a diagnosis of cancer.

The 34-year-old father of three was told he had testicular cancer, which had spread to his brain. He was given the news at the weekend, following tests at Singleton Hospital in Swansea, after he had complained of severe headaches.

Yesterday it was revealed that the cancer had also spread to his lungs.

A spokesman for the local NHS trust said: "John Hartson was transferred from Singleton Hospital to Morriston Hospital yesterday evening, where he received emergency neurosurgery to relieve pressure on his brain.

"He is currently being cared for by the critical care team at Morriston and is receiving round-the-clock care aiming to stabilise his condition.

"Unfortunately, cancer has now also been diagnosed in his lungs. He will resume radiotherapy and chemotherapy as soon as possible."

Dr Gianfilippo Bertelli, consultant medical oncologist at the NHS trust in Swansea, said earlier this week that he could foresee many months of treatment. "Mr Hartson will continue under the care of the specialist consultant oncologists as we aim for a positive outcome.

"While treatment is ongoing, we would ask that the privacy of Mr Hartson is respected."

Mr Hartson's family said in a statement: "His partner Sarah, mum, dad, three children, brother, two sisters and very close friends are all continuing to support John in any way we can.

"He is receiving outstanding care from all the medical and surgical staff, and we would like to thank everyone at both Singleton and Morriston, as well as the excellent ambulance staff.

"We have been overwhelmed by the support and goodwill from many thousands of football fans, players, clubs and sporting figures, and we have drawn strength from this support."

Among the wellwishers was Tour de France legend Lance Armstrong, who took time out from this year's race to tell Swansea-born Hartson: "We're all thinking about you, John."

Like Hartson, Armstrong was told he had developed testicular cancer that had spread to his brain. He was diagnosed in 1996 and went on to score seven successive Tour wins from 1999.

Hartson started his career at Luton Town and his 2.5 million transfer to Arsenal in 1995 set a record for a teenage player.

He was signed for Celtic by then manager Martin O'Neill in a 6m deal in 2001 and became a popular figure with Parkhead fans during the five years he spent in Glasgow.

A Celtic spokesman said: "He has served the club, and the game of football in general, with distinction over many years.

"Everyone at the club fully supports John and his family at this extremely difficult time."

Hartson retired in February 2008 after being released by West Bromwich Albion and has been working as a television commentator.

Danger signs to watch for – and how the cancer is treated

TESTICULAR cancer is the most common cancer to affect men aged between 15 and 45. In 2006, a total of 2,065 men in the UK were diagnosed with the disease. It caused 58 deaths in the UK in 2007.

SYMPTOMS

&#149 A lump, irregularity or swelling in one testicle – that is the most common symptom.

&#149 A dull ache in the groin or lower abdomen.

&#149 A pulling sensation or feeling of unusual heaviness in the scrotum.

&#149 Pain or discomfort (which may come and go) in the testicle or scrotum.

&#149 Tenderness or enlargement of tissue in the breast area.

&#149 A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum.

A few men with testicular cancer may experience lower back pain, stomach pain or a cough as their first symptoms. However, such symptoms do not always relate to testicular cancer. Medical advice is be familiar with the normal feel of your testicles and to have a check-up if you feel a lump or any changes.

TREATMENT

The type of treatment depends on the type of cancer and how far it has spread.

&#149 Surgical removal of the affected testicle is the standard initial treatment for testicular cancer. If the cancer has spread further, a patient may need to have chemotherapy first, so the removal of the testicle will be delayed. The removal of one testicle does not affect the ability to father children.

&#149 Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can temporarily lower fertility. As a precaution, many men store their sperm in a sperm bank before treatment.