AFL superstar, 27, opens up on shock cancer diagnosis after two years on the sidelines with a knee injury - and issues a warning to Australian men
AFL superstar Sam Docherty has opened up about his shock testicular cancer diagnosis while urging Australian men to get regular checks.
The Carlton co-captain is recovering after having surgery last Friday to remove a malignant tumour after recently discovering the cancerous lump.
The Blues released a statement on Wednesday night to say it was a success and the 27-year-old is expected to make a full recovery.
Speaking after the procedure, Docherty said he was shocked by the diagnosis and encouraged others to keep on top of their health checks.
Carlton co-captain Sam Docherty is recovering from surgery after having a malignant testicular tumour removed
The health scare is the latest health blow for Docherty, who sat out the 2018 AFL season after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery
'Obviously hearing the initial diagnosis was a shock, however I feel grateful to have got onto it straight away,' he said.
'Having now had the surgery, I’m grateful to hear that I’m expected to make a full recovery and will be able to resume training in four to six weeks’ time.
'Talking about our health and wellbeing and ensuring we get regular checks is so important, and I hope to use this as a reminder for others to look after themselves and also to support others who may be going through similar experiences.'
Blues head of football Brad Lloyd said the team is incredibly pleased the surgery went well and that it's expected Docherty will recover fully.
'Obviously Sam’s health remains the Club’s number one priority and we will continue to support him throughout this time,' Lloyd said.
The health scare is the latest health blow for Docherty, who sat out the 2018 AFL season after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery.
The health scare is the latest health blow for Docherty, who sat out the 2018 AFL season after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery
Docherty was back under the knife in 2019 after rupturing the same knee again and was forced to skip another season
The following year he was back under the knife after rupturing the same knee again and was forced to skip another season.
Several AFL stars have been rocked by testicular cancer in recent years, including Former Carlton defender Sam Rowe, Melbourne forward Jesse Hogan and Port Adelaide star Robbie Gray.
Rowe was 24 when he was diagnosed in 2012, while Hogan, 25, and Gray, 29 both received the news in 2017. All three have made a full recovery and since returned to the sport.
Testicular cancer is the second most common cancer in men aged 18 to 39 after non-Melanoma skin cancer.
AFL superstar Sam Docherty has faced multiple health issues, he ruptured his knee twice a few years ago
Docherty has shared the importance of seeking prompt medical advice and encouraged others to regularly get checks