AFL news: Star Kangaroo Ben Cunnington releases statement on his setback with testicular cancer

North Melbourne star Ben Cunnington has spoken on his latest setback with testicular cancer saying he is ready to attack it head on. See what he had to say here.

North Melbourne star Ben Cunnington says he is ready to attack his latest cancer setback “head on”.

Cunnington was diagnosed with a secondary bout of testicular cancer last week which will require an intensive course of chemotherapy.

He had surgery to remove a tumour in July but more cancer was found during a routine check-up.

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We love you, Cunners. We’re all right behind you. 💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/OveXy5M9ns

— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) November 22, 2021

Cunnington, 30, released a statement via Instagram saying he was overwhelmed with all the support he’d received.

“I’ll be undergoing treatment on the cancer that appeared in the last couple of weeks,” he said.

“I can reassure everyone that I’m in a good head space and ready to attack this head on with a great support team by my side.

“It’s been a couple of months since my initial diagnosis and I can’t tell you how grateful we’ve been for the love and support from so many people in that time.

“It means the world to me and my family.”

Cunnington is expected to make a full recovery following a nine-week course of chemotherapy.

He last played in Round 19 and despite missing the final four games of the season, the tough midfielder finished second in the Kangaroos best and fairest award.

Cunnington cancer setback

Tough North Melbourne midfielder Ben Cunnington has suffered another health setback after a routine scan located a secondary cancer this week.

Cunnington, 30, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in July and had surgery to remove the tumour, ending his 2021 season after Round 19.

He will now undergo nine weeks of chemotherapy, but the Kangaroos said on Saturday they expected him to make a full recovery.

Ben Cunnington will undergo a second bout of chemotherapy after a post-surgery medical check-up detected a secondary cancer.

The news is a shock for the close-knit Kangaroos community as the club rallies around their popular midfielder.

North Melbourne said the club was offering Cunnington and his family every support during his battle.

North Melbourne is providing its full support to club great Ben Cunnington, who will undergo chemotherapy after a routine post-surgery medical check-up detected a secondary cancer this week.

We're all with you, Cunners. 💙

— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) November 20, 2021

@NMFCOfficial Ben Cunnington, my favourite player for the last 10 years. To hear that you are going through this battle just breaks my heart. You will get through this, NMFC truly love you and we are riding this with you. Get well soon champ 💙🤍💙🤍💙🤍

— Lorenzo (@tuccitto68) November 20, 2021

“Due to the sensitive nature of this news, North Melbourne asks that privacy is afforded to Ben, his immediate and extended family, friends, teammates, coaches and staff,” the Kangaroos said on Saturday.

“The club will not be making any further comment at this stage.”

Cunnington with wife Belinda and children Xavier and Stella.

The two-time club best and fairest winner was eyeing a return to AFL football next season, but conceded in August he would have to remain vigilant with regular check-ups.

One of those check-ups this week found the secondary cancer.

Cunnington celebrates a goal against West Coast this year. Picture: Getty Images

The media-shy star took to social meeting three months ago to thank those who had helped him in his battle, while also throwing his support behind Carlton skipper Sam Docherty, who suffered recurrence of testicular cancer in August.

“It’s been an incredibly tough time but all the love and kindness certainly helped us through,” Cunnington said on Instagram when first diagnosed.

“I have to remain vigilant over the next few years and have regular checkups to ensure the cancer doesn’t return.

“I want to encourage anyone that suspects something is not quite right with their body or health, to be brave and speak to a professional. Even if you think everything is fine, get a regular check up and make sure.”

Cunnington has played 227 games across 12 seasons with the Kangaroos and remains one of their best players.