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    Borussia Dortmund make huge change to centre circle before Bundesliga match to raise awareness for testicular cancer

    BORUSSIA DORTMUND have made an unbelievable change to their centre circle to raise awareness for testicular cancer. Ahead of their Bundesliga clash against Freiburg, the white line in the middle pitch had an outward curve to represent a lump.
    The centre circle was adjusted to raise awareness for cancerCredit: Getty
    Sebastien Haller scored his first goal after battling cancerCredit: Getty
    Dortmund said that before kick-off and during half-time a bulge would appear on the field to help raise awareness for the disease on World Cancer Day.
    The club tweeted: “It’s never too early to get a cancer screening and please do it regularly.”
    The German club have been directly impacted by testicular cancer, striker Sebastien Haller was diagnosed with the illness in the summer of 2022.
    He has undergone two surgeries and four cycles of chemotherapy to help his recovery.
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    Haller is now back in first-team action for Dortmund and to top an incredible story, he scored in the win over Freiburg.
    He netted the third goal as his side won 5-1 with fans chanting his name and all of his team-mates celebrating jubilantly with him.
    It was only the former Ajax and West Ham man’s fourth appearance back from his lengthy spell on the sidelines.
    As Haller scored, Dortmund tweeted: “F*** cancer.”
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    His boots are also engraved with the phrase.
    Manufacturers Puma called his return to football: “The best comeback of the year already.”
    Haller was diagnosed with cancer just days after he signed for the club to replace Erling Haaland.
    Dortmund’s win today took them up to third in the table, just two points behind leaders Union Berlin. More

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    ‘F*** cancer’ – Dortmund hero Sebastien Haller shows off his incredible new boots after battling testicular tumour

    SEBASTIEN HALLER showed off his incredible new “f*** cancer” football boots ahead of his official Borussia Dortmund debut. The Ivory Coast striker signed for the Bundesliga club last summer but two weeks later a testicular tumour was diagnosed.
    Sebastien Haller looks set to make his official Borussia Dortmund debutCredit: Instagram @pumafootball
    The striker will be wearing his customised orange Puma bootsCredit: Instagram @pumafootball
    He now has the all clear, though, and is ready to make his long-awaited bow for his new club.
    And when he does take to the field, the 28-year-old will do so wearing his customised cleats with a very personal message.
    Haller and sponsors Puma shared an Instagram post of the forward at Signal Iduna Park and sliding his foot into his bright orange Ultra Ultimates.
    And on the side, the words “F*** CANCER” have been printed in silver, with the “u” replaced by a lightning bolt.
    READ MORE ON SEBASTIEN HALLER
    Puma wrote: “The best comeback of the year already.”
    Haller’s wife Priscilla commented in the replies with three fire emojis.
    The former West Ham was signed as Erling Haaland’s Dortmund replacement but the tragic news has ruled him out of action since his £28million arrival.
    Haller returned to Dortmund training at the beginning of January following four rounds of chemotherapy and two operations.
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    He came on for his debut in a friendly a week later and then scored a stunning seven-minute hat-trick against FC Basel on his first start.
    But with the Bundesliga returning after the World Cup and winter break this weekend, Haller finally looks on course to make a competitive appearance for Die Borussen when they host Augsburg on Sunday.
    Haller impressed with a hat-trick in a friendly against FC BaselCredit: Getty More

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    Bristol Rovers players and boss Joey Barton shave heads in support of team-mate Nick Anderton who has cancer

    BRISTOL ROVERS players have shaven their heads in support of team-mate Nick Anderson, who has an aggressive form of bone cancer.The 26-year-old was diagnosed in July and underwent a successful operation to remove a tumour in October.
    The Bristol Rovers squad show off their new hair cutsCredit: @Official_BRFC
    But Bristol Rovers confirmed before Christmas that following the surgery, the biopsy revealed the tumour was more aggressive than first thought, meaning Anderton is currently undergoing chemotherapy.
    The treatment is expected to last several months.
    Now the squad and manager Joey Barton have rallied around the player by deciding to go bald in a sweet act of solidarity.
    The club’s official Twitter account posted a photo of the squad with their new haircuts.
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    The caption said: “📸 Bristol Razors 2022/23. #BristolRovers.”
    Captain Paul Coutts added: “We’ve always been as one in support of Nick.
    “In the blink of an eye, his world’s been turned upside down and this is another way that we can help raise awareness of his condition and raise valuable funds for him and his young family at the same time.”
    Back in December, Anderton admitted: “The support that I’ve received on social media, I’ve had mail sent to my house, emails from past clubs I’ve been at, their supporters’ groups and clubs from the Premier League down to League Two have sent me signed shirts.
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    “It’s just been amazing.
    “When that many people are thinking of you, it gives you another boost.”
    A GoFundMe page was set up by Bristol Rovers last week with more than £30,000 raised in less than two weeks. More

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    Tennis legend Martina Navratilova opens up on cancer battle and reveals she has had two surgeries and four biopsies

    MARTINA NAVRATILOVA was in good spirits as she opened up on her battle with cancer.The tennis legend, 66, was revealed to be suffering with breast and throat cancer earlier this month.

    Martina Navratilova says she is ready for her next stage of cancer treatmentCredit: Reuters
    The tennis legend has been diagnosed with breast and throat cancerCredit: Getty
    Navratilova battled breast cancer 13 years agoCredit: Reuters
    Navratilova won Wimbledon nine timesCredit: Reuters
    The Czech-American won 18 Grand Slam titles in a glitzy careerCredit: Getty
    But she vowed to fight on after previously battling breast cancer 13 years ago before being given the all-clear.
    Navratilova has now reaffirmed that standpoint by stating she is ready for the next stage of treatment.
    She has already undergone two surgeries and faces more radiation treatment, but that has not prevented her from planning a return to the court.
    In an interview with Tennis Channel Navratilova said: “Ya I’m ready to go. Ready to get on with the treatment.
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    “I’ve had two surgeries and four biopsies and radiation and chemo, I’m waiting. But I’m ready to go.
    “And I’m ready to go in other ways as well. Once I get to play again, I’ve got my squeezy thingy here.
    “I just found these Wimbledon resistance bands in my grocery bag – I don’t know how they got there. And I have my water bottle as usual. So, I’m ready to go.”
    Following her diagnosis, Navratilova will not travel to Melbourne for punditry work at the Australian Open.
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    However the 18-time Grand Slam champion will occasionally provide analysis for Tennis Channel and she was asked who she thinks will end the year with the most Grand Slams – Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic.
    The Czech-American backed Djokovic to win three out of four majors, tipping Nadal to win the French Open title for an incredible 15th time.
    Navratilova’s incredible tennis career spanned 32 years from 1974 to 2006.
    She won a remarkable 59 Grand Slam titles across singles and doubles.
    And she has claimed more Wimbledon singles titles than any other player in history – winning the tournament nine times between 1978 and 1990.
    Navratilova is also one of just three players – alongside Margaret Court and Doris Hart – to secure a career Grand Slam in singles, doubles and mixed doubles.
    Breast Cancer
    Guidance from the NHS states that breast cancer can have several symptoms, with the first usually being a lump or a thickened area of breast tissue.
    You should contact your GP if you notice any of the below:
    1) A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts2) Discharge from either of your nipples, which may be streaked with blood3) A lump or swelling in either of your armpits4) Dimpling on the skin of your breasts5) A rash on or around your nipple6) A change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast.
    Data from Breast Cancer Now states that the illness is the most common cancer in the UK.

    Throat cancer
    Head and neck cancers are responsible for over 4,000 deaths a year in the UK, figures from Cancer Research UK states.
    There are different types, including mouth, voice box and those affecting the thyroid gland.
    Throat cancer is a head and neck cancer and the charity states that most of the time, symptoms of the illness are similar to much less serious conditions.
    However, there are over 12,000 cases a year, so it’s important to know the signs of the disease.
    The charity said that there are eight symptoms you need to be aware of.
    These are:
    1) Ear pain2) Asore throat3) A lump in the neck4) Difficulty swallowing5) Unexplained weight loss6) A cough7) Shortness of breath8) A feeling of something stuck in the throat More

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    Classy Arsenal squad dedicate Tottenham win to Beth Mead’s mum after her tragic death from ovarian cancer

    ARSENAL showed a touch of class as they dedicated their victory over Tottenham to Beth Mead’s mum. The Gunners cruised to a 2-0 win in the North London derby thanks to a Hugo Lloris own goal and Martin Odegaard stunner.
    The Arsenal squad paid tribute to Beth Mead’s late mumCredit: https://www.instagram.com/stories/rholding95/3016455495055563898/?hl=en
    Mead, left, alongside mum, June
    And following the game, Arsenal stars paid tribute to Mead’s mum, who passed away from Ovarian cancer on Friday.
    Taking to Instagram Rob Holding posted a photo of the squad together in the dressing room holding an Arsenal shirt that read: “Thinking of you Beth.”
    Holding captioned the post on his story: “What a win! We are all with you @bethmead_. For June.”
    The Arsenal Women’s star posted a moving tribute to June online.
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    She said: “Our hearts are broken. There will be a piece missing forever but heaven has now gained a special angel.
    “I’m sad that you are gone, but I’m more grateful for the time we had together.”
    The tragic news came just weeks after Mead celebrated being named the BBC Sport’s Personality of the Year and awarded an MBE in the New Year Year’s Honours list.
    In her tribute she added: “If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.”
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    With Arsenal extending their lead at the top of the table to eight points, the match became marred by controversy as a fan kicked Aaron Ramsdale after the game.
    In his post-match interview Ramsdale said: “The Spurs fans were giving me some stick in the second half and I gave them some back.
    “To the few I did do it to it was probably well-greeted sportsmanship like but then a fan jumped over and gave me a little punch in the back.
    “That’s what happened and it is a shame because it’s just a game of football at the end of the day.
    “Both sets of players tried to bring me away, thankfully nothing happened too drastic.
    “It is a sour taste but I am sure we will enjoy it when we go back to the dressing room.”
    Ex-Arsenal legend Paul Merson slammed the performance of Antonio Conte’s side.
    He slammed: “I can’t believe how a manager of that quality has not tried to nip this in the bud. It’s pretty embarrassing.”
    With the Gunners moving eight points clear at the top of the table, Tottenham lost ground on the race for the top following wins for Manchester United and Newcastle over the weekend.
    On Spurs Merson later added: “Tottenham are letting in two goals every week and Arsenal are playing the best football they have in many years.
    “Not like this (level of confidence), they’re top of the league, flying along, breaking records, on a roll I just couldn’t see it with Tottenham.
    “They played three at the back, two holding midfielders and every week they let in two goals, I don’t know how you get away with it, it’s unbelievable.
    “Bar the Palace game – which if (Crystal) Palace had (Harry) Kane they would have won 4-0 that day – they can’t keep turning it off and on like a tap.
    “And people forget about the second half, the first half was embarrassing at the highest level, I’ve never seen a derby game like that.
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    “They were outclassed, everything Arsenal were doing – you see patterns of play you could see what they were doing. Zinchenko coming in then going and Partey will come short and the other two will go forward or open the game, (but) with Tottenham it’s cuffy. You can’t see any plan.
    “The second goal… that happens on Sunday morning down the scrubs , you can’t do that. I feel sorry for the midfield players they have been left to be embarrassed today.” More

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    Sebastien Haller nets SEVEN-MINUTE hat-trick as Dortmund star continues comeback after testicular cancer diagnosis

    SEBASTIEN HALLER bagged a stunning SEVEN-MINUTE hat-trick in a fairytale return to the Borussia Dortmund starting XI after his cancer diagnosis.The Ivory Coast international was diagnosed with testicular cancer in the summer of 2022 and underwent a gruelling treatment process.

    Sebastien Haller bagged a hat trick in his second outing since testicular surgeryCredit: GETTY
    The Ivory Coast international was mobbed by his team-mates after each goalCredit: GETTY
    Haller was given permission to resume full training this month and returned to the fold as a substitute in a friendly against Fortuna Dusseldorf earlier this week.
    The 28-year-old was given more minutes in Dortmund’s friendly against FC Basel – who he put to the sword in double-quick time.
    Haller opened his account from the penalty spot in the 81st minute before striking again in the 86th and 87th minutes.
    Footy fans were quick to comment, with one tweeting: “Things you love to see.”
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    Another said: “Sebastien Haller you absolute king.”
    And another said: “Haller is back. You will not read better news today.”
    One remarked: “Sebastien Haller defeated cancer and in his first [second] game back for Borussia Dortmund vs Basel banged a hat trick. Chateau.”
    Another chimed in: “Sebastien Haller beats testicular cancer and returns the same season to score a hat trick in his first minutes for Dortmund. Friendly or not, just unbelievable stuff. Best story of the year.”
    Most read in Football
    Haller is hoping it won’t be too long before he’s back leading the line for Dortmund in their competitive matches.
    He said: “I want to play as quickly as possible. There are no limits and restrictions on my involvement unless the medical staff tell me otherwise.
    “I can do everything now that I used to do before, that gives me great confidence.
    “I took only 19 days off in the six months. It was hard but it’s my job and I love it.
    “Retiring was never on my mind, I had the mindset of looking forward and take every day at a time.
    “It was harder for my family, they suffered a lot because they didn’t feel in control. They helped me a lot.”
    Haller and Dortmund team-mates will resume Bundesliga action a week on Sunday, welcoming Augsburg to the Westfalenstadion. More

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    England’s Lioness hero and SPOTY winner Beth Mead left heartbroken after beloved mum dies of ovarian cancer

    ARSENAL and England star Beth Mead has revealed the devastating news that her mum has passed away from ovarian cancer.June Mead was diagnosed with the illness in 2021 and endured a lengthy battle with the disease.
    Beth Mead, centre left, alongside her mum, centre right after winning the Euros
    Mead’s mum, June, passed away after a long battle with cancer
    Mead won the Sports Personality of the Year award last monthCredit: PA
    She won the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament awards at the EurosCredit: Getty
    Beth has been left heartbroken by her mum’s passingCredit: Instagram
    Now she has heartbreakingly passed away, with Sports Personality of the Year winner Mead, 27, confirming the tragedy on Friday afternoon.
    Speaking in an Instagram post alongside several family pictures, she said: “Thought long and hard about what to write but there will never be any words that will do justice.
    “At 1am on the 7th of Jan, our beautiful, kind, funny Mum & Wife passed away after a long & brave battle against Ovarian Cancer 💔.
    “She was surrounded by myself, my brother & dad as she passed away peacefully.
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    Mead, centre left, shared the devastating news on social mediaCredit: Instagram
    June, right, inspired Mead throughout her successful career to dateCredit: Instagram
    “Our hearts are broken, there will be a piece missing forever but heaven has now gained a special angel 😇.
    “If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever. I’m sad that you are gone, but I’m more grateful for the time we had together ❤️.
    “Our family would appreciate some privacy during this difficult time. We love you lots, forever & always. RIP Mama 💫 ❤️.”
    In response to the post, Aston Villa midfielder Lucy Staniforth said: “Sending love to you all Meado ❤️.”
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    While Southampton defender Laura Rafferty replied with a host of heart emojis.
    Mead was a talismanic figure in England’s Euros triumph last summer.
    The Lioness claimed both the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament awards for her sensational displays.
    In December, the Arsenal forward then went on to win the Sports Personality of the Year honour ahead of Ben Stokes and Eve Muirhead.
    Speaking after winning the award, she said: “I’m incredibly honoured to win this award.
    “I wouldn’t have done it without those girls, who backed me.
    “Yes, I did my job and scored a few goals but I wouldn’t have done it without them, my mum, dad and all of my family.
    “This is for women’s sport and for it heading in the right direction. So, let’s keep pushing the girls and keep doing the right things.
    “The girls are like a family away from home and when things at home haven’t been great, they supported me so well.”
    Mead is one of the best players in the world but has been ruled out for a lengthy period of time with an ACL injuryCredit: PA More

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    Emotional moment Sebastian Haller comes on for first Dortmund appearance in six months after testicular cancer diagnosis

    SEBASTIAN HALLER made an emotional return to the pitch six months after his testicular cancer diagnosis.The Borussia Dortmund striker was subbed on during a club friendly against Fortuna Dusseldorf.
    Sebastian Haller made his first appearance for Borussia DortmundCredit: https://twitter.com/BVB
    It was his first time on the pitch following his testicular cancer diagnosisCredit: https://twitter.com/BVB
    Haller showed his appreciation to the fans watching the gameCredit: Getty
    The Ivorian was greeted with a round of applause and cheers as he ran onto the field.
    It was Haller’s first-ever appearance for the Bundesliga giants after his £28million move from Ajax last summer.
    However, less than a fortnight after joining the club, he received his diagnosis of testicular cancer.
    Haller felt unwell during training and went for medical examinations, which is when doctors discovered the tumour.
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    During his battle with cancer, Haller revealed that the hardest part was having to explain to his children that he had to go to the hospital.
    He underwent four rounds of chemotherapy and had two operations before returning to training last week with an Apple watch to track all his data.
    And now Haller was able to get some valuable game time into his legs against Dusseldorf.
    Dortmund ran out as 5-1 winners with goals coming from Felix Passlack, Karim Adeyemi, Nico Schlotterbeck and a brace from Donyell Malen.
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    Dawid Kownacki did net in from the spot, but it proved to be a mere consolation goal for Dusseldorf.
    Former West Ham striker Haller spoke about his journey to German outlet Bild, as he said: “I first discussed with my wife how best to explain it to our children.
    “We looked online for tips and asked other people. We then found a way and explained it to them with a small video.
    “The hardest part was getting them to understand that while I’m fine right now, I’m sick and need to be hospitalised – even for a few weeks or months.
    “We wanted to be honest, the kids are smart and have good senses themselves, so we didn’t want to try to hide anything from them.
    “Luckily, they took it well, I laughed a lot at home, played a lot with them.
    “In the beginning, it wasn’t like usual, of course – my older son often wanted to jump on me, so I had to tell him: ‘not yet’. But now everything is fine.”
    Haller added he did not cry when he found out the news but was instantly determined to beat the cancer.
    The Ivory Coast forward continued: “I knew immediately: I have no other choice. The choices are limited.
    “It won’t do you any good if you put yourself in a depression.
    “So I said to myself: stay positive, bring your family and friends together. You’re not alone. So go through it together with them.
    “When I got home, my wife had prepared a few small posters with the news from my family. Mum, dad, brother, sister.
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    “That was actually the most emotional thing. But there was also an incredible amount of uplifting news from the football world, I can’t even list everyone.
    “The president of Ivory Coast was there, my former clubs and of course a lot of players, Luka Jovic and Ante Rebic also wrote to me which made me happy.” More