http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/t...ity/8902976.stm

Exeter striker Adam Stansfield has died of cancer aged 31.

Of course many people die of cancer every day but just always seems more shocking when its a young professional footballer who are very fit and healthy people.

Very sad news

man that's fucking tragic. he only found out a few months ago.
I didn't think it had been that long since jeff stelling referred to "lisa being happy" on the last occassion he scored a goal for exeter

I wouldn't say it's any more shocking than any other case of cancer, I'm afraid it can hit any person of any fitness level, age or profession.

What a fucking stupid post

The majority of cancers affect the over 60s and/or people with unhealthy lifestyles.

While it is sad when a Glaswegian octogenerian who has lived on a diet of deep fried food, 12 pints of 'Heavy' and 40 B&H a day dies of cancer, it is hardly a shock.

Bowel cancer is exceedingly rare in a young healthy man and, yes - if it were someone I knew I would find it shocking

Terrible shame.

Of course it can hit anyone that wasnt my point - as Exiled says it does though usually hits older people and tends to be more prevelant in people who drink, smoke, eat badly etc so I think for it to happen to a fit and healthy 31 year old is quite shocking.

It can of course happen to anyone but like I said it just seems more shocking when it happens to someone so young and seemingly in good nick.

Either way very sad.

Lots of people died of cancer yesterday but that doesn't mean it's not a sad case. RIP.

Not half as stupid as you, you ignorant kunt. I wasn't saying it's more common in younger fit people I am saying anyone can get it at anytime which is fact, it is not always diet or fitness related.

I'm also not saying it's not sad or shocking because it is, but I have no more sympathy than I would for any cancer sufferer, maybe with the exception of the self inflicted ones that you point out, which in reality I wouldn't say is in the majority either.

I know and have known people with cancer of young age middle age and older age sadly some have passed away and others are missing limbs or breasts none of which fell into heavy drinkers, smokers or bad diets. I have equal sympathy to all of these which is what I was trying to say to BBT, if you BBT or anyone else have more sympathy for different groups that is fine I'm not asking you to change that, I was just expressing MY opinion that I would not say it's more shocking.

I knew a lad who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 22 and died within a month.

In rare cases, cancer can strike someone very young - and unfortunately, because it's so exceptional I think it can also be very dangerous. Usually testicular for young men though, but maybe awareness of that means it is less likely to kill you.

I disagree with you though magtillidie, cancer is much more rare in younger people, and not uncommon once you get over 70. There is something especially tragic about a person dying at such a young age.

I wasnt offering him more sympathy, I was simply saying it just seems more shocking when its a young fit person that dies from it. Whilst it can strike anyone you do associate it more with older people and/or people with bad health habits.