Vancouver Canucks left winger Dakota Joshua said doctors removed a tumor that was diagnosed as testicular cancer this summer.
The Canucks released a statement from Joshua on Tuesday explaining what happened and why he will miss the start of training camp.
“This summer, I felt a lump on one of my testacles that doctors would later diagnose as testicular cancer,” Joshua said in his statement. “This news was obviously scary to hear, but thankfully, doctors were able to successfully remove the tumor.
“The last several weeks have been extremely challenging and I’ve been fortunate to have the support of my family, friends, teammates and doctors.”
Joshua, 28, recorded career highs last season with the Canucks, posting 18 goals and 32 points in 63 games on the third line. He also had four goals and eight points in 13 playoff games last spring.
Joshua said he won’t be ready for training camp as he continues to recover from surgery, but he plans to return as soon as possible and work hard to be back with his teammates.
“Although it was very difficult to face the reality of this specific type of cancer, getting checked by a doctor quickly was the best approach, and I encourage men to get checked regularly for testicular cancer.”
Joshua asked for privacy concerning the matter and said the team will provide updates when appropriate.
The 6-foot-3, 206-pound player from Dearborn, Mich., has 184 career games of NHL experience between the St. Louis Blues and Canucks, posting 33 goals and 64 points in total. The Toronto Maple Leafs drafted him 128th overall in 2014.
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News Summary:
- Canucks' Dakota Joshua Says He Had Cancerous Growth Removed From Testicle
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