Former Geelong and Melbourne AFL star Clint Bizzell has shared shock cancer news.
Bizzell – who is the partner of former Channel 7 newsreader Jennifer Adams – has revealed on social media that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this year.
And now, ahead of Movember, he has gone into detail about the diagnosis while urging ‘the lads’ to get checked.
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Bizzell, who currently works as a high-performance consultant, wrote: “This post isn’t an easy one for me.
“However, I’m here to pay it forward because, quite simply, it could save your life.”
Bizzell said he felt a “deep sense of responsibility” to share his prostate cancer news and remind people he was only 47.
Former Seven newsreader Jennifer Adams and Clint Bizzell in 2014. Credit: Places We Go
He said people had told him it was an ‘an older person’s cancer’ but that was not the case.
“There’s a growing number of men just like me,” he said.
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Bizzell played for Geelong between 1996 and 2001 before joining Melbourne in a high-profile move ahead of the 2002 season.
He was a fan favourite at the Demons before retiring at the end of the 2010 season.
He said he was thankful he got on the front foot with his cancer tests and didn’t wait for “the obligatory 50-year-old test at the GP”.
“I was lucky to be the recipient of a message from a dear friend, David Flockart, who, after being diagnosed with bowel cancer (also at a young age and also living an active, healthy life) said to me, ‘Mate, if something’s not quite right, just go to the doctor and get it checked’.
“I only walked into the doctor’s office because of Dave … after he passed away. Talk about bittersweet.
“Thanks to Dave, I’m now one of the lucky ones. After having my prostate removed, I was given a clean bill of health from the Doc.
“I’m also incredibly grateful for the many conversations I’ve had with other men, mostly strangers, who were equally brave enough to pay it forward. They answered the phone and shared their experiences in aid of helping me and my family through the darkest of moments. My heart goes out to all those living with cancer.
Bizzell was a fan favourite for the Demons Credit: Getty Images
“If you have a family history, get checked.
“If you’re over 40 without either of the above, consider getting checked regardless.
“If you can raise awareness by sharing a story, or growing your best Mo, do it.”
Adams was moved by Bizzell’s bravery.
“There is nothing I admire more than a person with the courage to speak up,” she wrote on social media.
“Thank you to my incredible partner in life Clint Bizzell, for paying it forward with this story that is so deeply personal, in the hope of saving a life.”
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