John Hartson: 'I ignored signs of cancer'

Published on Wednesday 12 August 2009 13:22

FORMER footballer John Hartson admitted today that he ignored signs of testicular cancer two years ago.

The ex-Arsenal and Celtic striker said it was only when he suffered blinding headaches that he finally sought medical help.

Hartson has been released home from hospital after undergoing treatment for cancer.

The 34-year-old underwent extensive chemotherapy treatment after being diagnosed with testicular cancer which spread to his lungs and brain.

Today the former Wales international told the Scottish Sun he found a lump two years ago, but ignored the signs and the lump got bigger.

Swansea-born Hartson urged men to get checked by doctors if they notice anything abnormal on their bodies or under their skin.

The father of three told the paper that ignoring the growing lump was a "bloke thing".

He said: "There was a lump in my testicles which I noticed a good while back. I just didn't do anything about it.

"It was worrying, I'd be lying if I said it wasn't."

Hartson also revealed he had told his girlfriend Sarah McManus about the lump but informed her she should not worry.

He said: "I should have gone to the doctor right away and things might be so different now.

"Don't wait, because the cancer spreads and all of a sudden you're in big trouble."

Ms McManus told the paper: "Everyone is thrilled that John has been allowed home.

"But the last few weeks have been horrendous."

The Wales football team will wear a specially-designed patch supporting a cancer charity tonight and their shirts for the friendly against Montenegro will be auctioned on eBay following the game, the Football Association of Wales confirmed.

An FA of Wales official said: "We will have patches on the players' shirts for the match supporting a charity that works in aid of a cancer charity, checkemlads.com, specifically for male cancer problems.

"The players are concerned about John's situation. Apart from the patches on their shirts, they will also wear T-shirts during the warm-up for the match with John's name on them.

"Afterwards we will get all their shirts back and then auction them for charity."

The former player was initially treated at Swansea's Morriston Hospital in south Wales before he was transferred to a cancer ward at Singleton Hospital in the city last week. He was discharged from hospital yesterday.

The hospital said he would continue with chemotherapy as an outpatient.

His family has also issued a statement thanking all the staff at the two hospitals for "their support in getting John to this stage in his treatment".

Hartson, who also played for West Ham during his career, retired from football in February last year and had been working as a television pundit.

In a statement on the FA of Wales website, Ms McManus said: "Along with our chosen charity www.checkemlads.com who are forming a specific John Hartson Foundation, I would stress the importance of visiting the website, so that men can make themselves aware of how to check themselves and know the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer."