Paul Bodin: Former Wales defender diagnosed with prostate cancer
- Published
Bodin won 23 caps for Wales and was Wales U21s manager before leaving the role in July 2022
Former Wales and Swindon Town defender Paul Bodin has revealed he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The 59-year old was first alerted to a possible issue by a routine test in April before a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis in the last few weeks.
"It's tough to talk about. But it's something that I think I've got to get the message out about," Bodin told BBC Radio Wiltshire.
He also explained the process that led to his diagnosis.
"Every year I've been having an annual PSA [prostate-specific antigen] test," said Bodin.
"And back in April it just flagged up that it was a little bit higher than it should have been. I was re-tested and everything was fine. I went back at the end of August and it was quite high again.
"The local NHS surgery, Ridge Green Surgery, which has been brilliant throughout this, sent me for a scan and unfortunately the scan showed the prostate was enlarged and there was a good chance it was cancer.
"So then it was a case of having a biopsy. And of course all this time you're waiting and all sorts of things go through your mind, but you always think it's not me.
"But in this instance the biopsy proved that it was cancerous. But I had my meeting last Monday and the prognosis was good, that it can be removed and also it can be treated."
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Bodin had two spells at Swindon Town between 1988-91 and 1992-96 and won 23 caps for Wales.
He was coach of Wales Under-21s before leaving the role in July 2022.
"We see it on TV every day, 'one in two people are going to get cancer in their lifetime', but you always think it's not going to be you," said Bodin.
"But I think it's in the last five years where I've seen the prostate cancer awareness badges that footballers were wearing on various TV sport shows.
"Be aware of it, it is out there and as we get a bit older obviously we are more susceptible to it.
"As it is at the moment, it's me and I've got to be strong with all the people around me and hopefully everything will be fine.
"You've just got to live your normal life, as I said I've got no symptoms so I'm playing golf once or twice a week, coming to the County Ground to watch some great football this season, going to Oxford down the road to see Bill [son Billy Bodin] as well.
"I'm living a normal life, I'm going to the gym I'm doing all my normal activities and I don't feel a thing.
"It's a simple blood test, you go to your local surgery and say you would like a PSA test and you're in and out in two minutes.
"Within a couple of days the results come through and as I said that's exactly where I was back in April so that was the first sign and I thought that won't be me.
"It's amazing, I feel absolutely fine. It's difficult to talk about obviously but the message from me is please, please go and get checked."
On social media the Football Association of Wales (FAW) said it is "saddened" to hear of Bodin's cancer diagnosis,, external adding: "There is positive news that the cancer is treatable and we wish Paul and his family the best of wishes during this time."