Norwich City goalkeeper Dan Barden has been diagnosed with testicular cancer while on loan at Scottish Premiership side Livingston.
The 20-year-old Welsh footballer is the second footballer from Wales that have been diagnosed with cancer this October. Recall that earlier in the month Bournemouth’s right-winger, David Brooks was diagnosed with cancer known as Hodgkin Lymphoma.
The 24-year-old Wales international is expected to commence a course of treatment to get rid of the cancer this week.
As for Dan Barden, a statement from Norwich City confirmed today, October 18, 2021, that the Welsh goalkeeper has undergone follow-up tests and would continue with a “closely monitored treatment program over the coming period”.
The club can confirm goalkeeper Dan Barden has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) October 18, 2021
After the initial diagnosis, Barden has since undergone follow up tests and will continue with a closely monitored treatment programme over the coming period.#NCFC
Testicular cancer that Dan Barden has been diagnosed with occurs in the testicles (testes), which are located inside the scrotum, a loose bag of skin underneath the penis, according to Mayorclinic.org. The testicles produce male sex hormones and sperm for reproduction.
Research showed that testicular cancer is still seen as rare cancer. It is common among males in America between the ages of 15 and 35.
A statement from Dan Barden thanked the medical departments of both Norwich City and Livingston for their support so far.
He acknowledged that he was shocked when he was first diagnosed with the illness, noting that he is confident that he could beat the cancer.
Barden said: “It has been a very difficult and challenging period, but the support of my family, friends, and colleagues has helped get me through the last few weeks.
“I can’t thank the medical departments at both Norwich and Livingston enough, as well as everyone at the Royal Marsden Hospital.
“The speed at which everything has moved has been crazy, but everyone has been absolutely brilliant with me.
“Both Daniel Farke and the Livingston manager, David Martindale, have also been very supportive.
“The initial diagnosis was a real shock for me, but the positive thing is that we’ve caught it early and the prognosis and next steps have all been positive.
“I’m optimistic and have a positive mindset. I’m confident that I’ll be able to beat it and that I’ll be back out there doing what I love soon.
“I’d like to thank everyone around me for their support. I know that the coming period will be challenging and would ask for privacy for me and my family at this stage. Where possible, I’ll do what I can to update you on my progress.
“Thank you once again for the support. See everyone soon.”
Dan Barden is a product of Arsenal’s youth system. The Premier League side released him to the Norwich City under-18 team on a free transfer on November 8, 2018.
Before he gained promotion to Norwich City senior team on July 1, 2020, he spent the 2019-2020 season on loan at Bury Town. He has been at Livingston since July 2, 2021.
Barden is expected to stay out of football until he can beat the cancer he is currently battling with.
