Carducci Shares Cancer Diagnosis

Cavalry FC goalkeeper Marco Carducci has released a statement regarding a recent cancer diagnosis that was treated surgically.

The 25-year-old had been absent from Cavalry’s preseason camp in Mexico, with the side naming German goalkeeper Julian Roloff to its roster ahead of the 2022 CPL season.

Carducci had simply been labelled as out with a medical issue for the trip, with the Calgary-born shotstopper putting out a statement disclosing the medical matter today:

On February 16, 2022, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Following the guidance of our team physician, I sought immediate treatment at Rockyview General Hospital. Within forty-eight hours I had been admitted, undergone a radical inguinal orchietomy, and was discharged to recover at home. Thankfully, all initial testing indicates that the cancer was caught early and was contained. For that I am beyond fortunate. While I am incredibly grateful to have received treatment so quickly, the pace of this journey has brought its own challenges. It has been and will continue to be an emotional whirlwind and the continued respect of my privacy is greatly appreciated. I have already started my rehabilitation program to recovery from surgery and will continue to work closely with our medical team to be back on the pitch as soon as possible.

I would like to add that the speed at which this process occurred is not typical for men that receive this diagnosis. Testicular cancer is one of the most common and treatable forms of cancer for men aged 15-35, but early detection is key. If something seems unusual, get it checked. The potential awkwardness of that visit with your doctor is worth it – it certainly was for me.

I owe a debt of gratitude to the many people who continue to help me navigate this experience. To the staff at Rockyview General Hospital – in the emergency room, in Unit 82, and the operating room – thank you for what you do. To my coaching staff and teammates, your support has been overwhelming. To our entire medical team and our team physician, Dr. Robinson, thank you for making me feel like the centre of the universe when I needed it most. You will all say that you were just doing your job, but it will always be much more than that for me. Finally, to my family and friends, I am on lucky person to be surrounded by so much love and more.

Thank you,
Marco

Since the arrival of the Canadian Premier League, Carducci has been his hometown team’s number one goalkeeper. He’s made 64 appearances across all competitions over the last three seasons, collecting no less than twenty clean sheets along the way.

Before establishing himself as a top CPL goalkeeper, the Calgarian made his professional debut with the Vancouver Whitecaps, making two appearances for the MLS side before a season-long stint with Rio Grande Valley preceded his return to Canada in 2018.

He also became the first Canadian Premier League athlete to earn a call-up for the Canadian national team back in 2019, during a season in which he won the CPL’s golden glove award after taking Cavalry to the finals. He is also on the board of PFA Canada.

We wish Marco Carducci all the best both during his recovery and after.

The non-profit Testicular Cancer Canada can be reached by clicking the link here.