News of David Brooks’ cancer diagnosis has come as a shock to fans of the young Bournemouth player.
Brooks, 24, announced on 13 October 2021 that he had received a Stage II cancer diagnosis but that he was feeling “confident,” per his statement.
Fans and fellow players have rallied around the midfielder, offering their support as David Brooks embarks on a course of treatment. This undoubtedly raises questions about what AFC Bournemouth will do next in order to retain top spot on the Championship table, but whether Brooks is on the pitch or not over these coming months, he has Bournemouth behind him.
The team’s chief exec Neill Blake said: “We’re not putting any timescales on his return; we will give David all the time he needs to get well and will do everything that we possibly can to help with that.”
What type of cancer does David Brooks have?
On 13 October 2021, David Brooks shared the heartbreaking news of his cancer diagnosis with his 70,000-strong Instagram following.
“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,” Brooks wrote.
Hodgkin Lymphoma is a cancer which develops in the body’s lymphatic system, part of the immune system. It mainly affects those in their young adulthood (20s) or in much older adults (over the age of 70). The most common symptom of Hodgkin Lymphoma is a painless swelling in a lymph node, typically in the neck, armpit or groin.
In his statement, David Brooks reveals that the medical team for FA Wales initially sounded the alarm and detected the illness. He left international duty with Wales last week for medical examination, leading to this positive diagnosis.
AFC Bournemouth thanked Wales’ medical team in their official statement on David Brooks’ cancer diagnosis.
So, what does the diagnosis mean?
Although Hodgkin Lymphoma has been described as a “relatively aggressive cancer,” it is also one of the most easily treated types of cancers, per the NHS website.
David Brooks has Stage II Hodgkin Lymphoma, which means that the lymphoma is found either in two or more groups of lymph nodes or in an extranodal site. Chemotherapy (and sometimes radiotherapy) is used to combat the illness.
Football fans have been offering their support to the young midfielder, taking to Twitter to share words of encouragement.
One fan wrote: “I’m sure we will see him shine on a pitch again and look forward to the day but above all, I just want nothing more but a speedy and full recovery for the guy. Everyone is behind you.”
Talksport pundit Darren Bent added that he was “praying” for David Brooks.
In Brooks’ statement he revealed: “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.”
Until then, we’re all keeping David Brooks, his family, and the Bournemouth team in our thoughts.
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