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Tight end Foster Moreau reveals cancer diagnosis: What is a Hodgkin lymphoma?

Free agent TE Foster Moreau has taken the decision to step away from football after a physical revealed that he has Hodgkin lymphoma. Needless to say, it’s a difficult time.

Update:
Free agent TE Foster Moreau has taken the decision to step away from football after a physical revealed that he has Hodgkin lymphoma. Needless to say, it’s a difficult time.
Justin CasterlineGetty Images

There are some things that are more important than sport and health is most definitely one of them. With news of his recent diagnosis, it’s now a situation where fans, friends and family can only hope that the star can make a full recovery.

Foster Moreau speaks about his Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis

According to reports, former Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau will be taking a leave of absence from football in order to full focus on his battle with cancer. The 25-year-old who entered free agency this offseason, announced via Twitter on Wednesday, that during a physical with the New Orleans Saints the medical team made a disturbing discovery which in turn led to a diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma, a serious form of cancer which attacks the body’s immune system. For his part, Moreau made it clear that he intends to return to football once he’s won the fight against the disease.

“Through somewhat of a miraculous process, this Free Agency period has been life changing for me. During a routine physical conducted by the Saint’s medical team down in New Orleans, I’ve come to learn that I have Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and will be stepping away from football at this time to fight a new opponent: Cancer. I’m grateful for the support and thankful for people who have stood firm with me. There hasn’t been a single step I’ve taken without hundreds of people lighting the path before me, and I will continue to seek their guidance. That being said, I’ll go kick this thing’s ass and get back to doing what I love! AMDG!”

What exactly is Hodgkin lymphoma?

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s germ-fighting immune system. In Hodgkin’s lymphoma, white blood cells called lymphocytes grow out of control, causing swollen lymph nodes and growths throughout the body. Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which used to be called Hodgkin’s disease, is one of two general categories of lymphoma. The other is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Advances in diagnosis and treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma have helped give people with this disease the chance for a full recovery. The prognosis continues to improve for people with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.”

What does the future hold for Foster Moreau?

As mentioned above, there have been improvements in recent years when it comes to the disease. To that end, a person diagnosed with the condition today, has an 89% chance of survival across the five years after diagnosis according to the American Cancer Society. It’s important to note that factors such as age and pre-existing health conditions can affect percentages. With that in mind, one has to imagine that Foster, being in prime physical condition at this point in his career, has more than a fighting chance. Just last season the LSU product posted a career-high 33 catches and 420 receiving yards to go with two touchdowns on 54 targets. Assuming he can make a full recovery and return to the league, he will be an asset to any team that signs him.