Blues loose forward steps away from game as rare cancer returns
NEWS: Blues loose forward Cameron Suafoa is stepping away from rugby after a recurrence of a rare form of cancer led to him having surgery last week.
In a statement posted to his social media channels over the weekend, the 27-year-old said: “In March this year, I got the news nobody wants to hear, that my sarcoma is back.
“This last week, I’ve undergone a massive surgery to resect [remove] another tumour and gained some metalware in the process.
“Rugby is once again on the back burner for me this year,” he added, saying he would continue backing the Blues and North Harbour, his province.
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Suafoa was first diagnosed with cancer in November 2023, when he was found to have a high-grade sarcoma of the connective tissue on his back.
After having successful surgery to remove the malignant tumour, he found he had to undergo radiation treatment as a precaution early last year.
While he initially played on while receiving that treatment, he stepped away from rugby briefly last April, when the fatigue and fitness challenges it posed became too great.
In his social media posts on Saturday, Suafoa offered a “massive thank you to doctors Andy Johnston, Christine Goh, and Alpesh Patel for their dedicated care throughout this process, as well as the Sarcoma Foundation.
“I’m also incredibly grateful for all the support I have felt through this journey from my friends, family and the Blues
“As always, health comes first, and check on your people. In a bit xx”
Suafoa has made seven appearances for the Blues this season.
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