Crowe opens up on cancer fight

Martin Crowe with his wife, former Miss Universe, Lorraine Downes. Photo / Norrie Montgomery

New Zealand cricket great Martin Crowe says his fight against cancer is "a comeback worth doing".

In a just-released statement the former New Zealand captain said he was overwhelmed by the support and concern from people around the world and he wished to say a "massive thanks".

"The support and encouragement have helped immeasurably," he said.

"It has enabled me to come to terms with the shock from my recent Lymphoma diagnosis faster."

Crowe was recently diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma, non-Hodgkins blood disease, after earlier complaining of swelling in his glands led him to a doctor.

"It's a grade 2 type, which is a slow growing disease in its mid stage. My lymph nodes in various parts of my body; neck, armpits, stomach, are affected, it is very treatable. It is not aggressive. Treatment will be decided in due course after further tests and consultation in the next two weeks."

He said his immune system had been compromised from past events during his cricket career suffering salmonella and glandular fever.

"The result of a weakened immune system over the last two decades is basically why I have become exposed to this sort of disease," he said.

"What I now put into my body and mind from here on in is the key to taming the disease and enjoying a quality life ahead. Adjusting to change is not new to me. My nutrition has been changed and my discipline has been stepped up."

"Most of all my mindset and fierce focus has kicked in just like it did when approaching a long innings in a Test match. I will focus on the important things in front of me, and nothing else."

He said he was extremely lucky to have wife Lorraine and his family to guide him through these times.

"This is a comeback worth doing," he said.