Club Ambassador - Eric Peters
Former Scotland Captain, Bath and Harlequins
It is refreshing to come across a rugby club that puts the promotion of cancer awareness at the forefront of its goals.
In rugby circles and male dominated situations generally, talking of issues and problems between mates is often avoided as it potentially opens people up to ridicule from team mates, such is the rugby culture, and in the macho world of rugby is seen as showing weaknesses. Women are much more open than men in this regard and breast cancer awareness is much greater and more openly discussed.
I had testicular cancer whilst injured from playing for Bath and Scotland in 2000 and discovered it as I had a pain in one of my testicles. Rugby is a contact sport and people take knocks but I was injured and not doing contact training I knew it wasn't a knock. I only went to the doctor because I was aware of testicular cancer as two of my rugby friends had overcome it in the past. I was lucky as it was caught early and treated successfully so instead of remission I now have the same chance as anyone else of having it again. The treatments for testicular cancer are very successful but early diagnosis is the key.
Until I had completed my chemotherapy treatment I was embarrassed to even tell my team mates about it. I felt I had to come to terms with it first. Once back in training I explained my absence to the squad and this lifted the taboo on the subject in the changing room and it became an open topic of discussion with other players sharing experiences of current or past worries in this regard. Subsequently I have been involved with several cancer charities helping to raise awareness particularly the Orchid Charity for whom I am a vice president.
What Crusaders are trying to do in terms of raising awareness of different cancers is very commendable and I wish the Crusaders RFC every success.
Best Wishes, Eric
