By 3 News online staff
Martin Crowe, who revealed earlier this week he has been diagnosed with cancer, says illnesses picked up during his cricket career compromised his immune system.
The former New Zealand cricket captain announced on Monday night he has lymphoma, which affects the lymphatic system and arises when certain white blood cells undergo a malignant change and multiply in an uncontrolled way.
More specifically, follicular lymphoma, non-Hodkins blood disease, grade 2.
"My lymph nodes in various parts of my body - neck, armpits, stomach, are affected," he says.
"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."
Crowe places the blame on round-the-world travels as a cricketing star in the 1980s and 1990s.
"My immune system has been compromised. In the past, on travels during my cricket career, suffering salmonella and glandular fever has compromised me.
"The result of a weakened immune system over the last two decades is basically why I have become exposed to this sort of disease."
The 50-year-old says his "mindset and fierce focus has kicked in just like it did when approaching a long innings in a Test match".
"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," says Crowe. "Adjusting to change is not new to me. My nutrition has been changed and my discipline has been stepped up… I will focus on the important things in front of me, and nothing else."
University of Auckland medical professor Peter Browett told 3 News on Tuesday most lymphomas respond well to treatment.
Crowe, scored 5444 runs from 77 tests, and his 17 Test centuries is still a New Zealand record.
3 News