July 03, 2024
Cancer battle briefly benches Blue
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Blues loose forward and Māori All Black Cameron Suafoa has become the patron of a new roopu aimed at raising awareness of a rare form of cancer.
Sarcoma Foundation chair Andy Johnston says sarcoma affects the connective tissues, such as bones and muscles, and disproportionately impacts younger individuals.
Symptoms can often be easily mistaken for other, less worrying conditions.
Dr Johnston says if they can raise awareness in the medical community about the signs of sarcoma, they can save lives.
Suafoa was diagnosed with sarcoma last October, two months after his partner noticed an egg-shaped lump on his back.
It was removed in November, and he was back playing Super Rugby within 10 weeks of surgery, while still undergoing radiation therapy.
He says the experience taught him the importance of life, early detection, and the power of support.