David Brooks: Bournemouth and Wales midfielder diagnosed with cancer

Brooks, 24, has been diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin lymphoma which was first detected by medical staff for the Welsh national team, but says ‘the prognosis is a positive one’

David Brooks in action for Bournemouth this season (Action Images)

The Bournemouth and Wales midfielder David Brooks has been diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare form of cancer.

Brooks, 24, revealed the illness was detected by doctors in the Wales camp. He said his prognosis is positive and that he hopes to back playing for club and country soon.

“This is a very difficult message for me to write,” Brooks said in a statement. “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.”

Brooks has made nine appearances for Bournemouth this season, most recently in a 0-0 draw at Peterborough on 29 September, helping Scott Parker’s team climb to the top of the Championship table. But it was on international duty that the cancer was discovered.

“I’d like to show my appreciation to 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 of their support and assistance this past week.

“Although I appreciate 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.”

Hodgkin lymphoma is an uncommon cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and glands which spread throughout the body.

According to the NHS website, the most common symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is a painless swelling in a lymph node, usually in the neck, armpit or groin. 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.

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

Bournemouth said on Twitter: “We’re all behind you, Brooksy”, with chief executive Neill Blake promising to support the midfielder every step of the way.

“Everyone at AFC Bournemouth will do everything possible to help support David and his family during his recovery,” he 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.

“I know everyone will be keen to show their love and support for David which will help him immensely as he recovers, but we also urge you all to respect his and his family’s privacy during this time.”