Jones reveals battle with cancer

Published Nov. 24, 2013 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Former Wimbledon and Wales midfielder Vinnie Jones has revealed he is battling skin cancer.

The 48-year-old, who has forged a career as an actor since retiring from football in 1999, found a lump under his eye which was confirmed as cancerous.

Jones has had three operations to remove cancerous patches - two under his eye and one on the back of his head - and he has described the battle to beat the disease as his biggest ever.

"Cancer is a horrible word to hear. It frightens the life out of you," he said.

"I've faced the biggest and ugliest lads on the football field and been in some nasty bar brawls.

"But this is my toughest and scariest opponent yet.

"When the doctor said I had skin cancer, the first thing I thought was, 'How long have I got?' A million and one things go through your head."

Jones, an FA Cup winner with Wimbledon in 1988 before enjoying success as an actor with Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels, admits he is concerned he may find another patch.

"It's weighing very heavily on me all the time. It has really knocked me for six and made me reassess my life and goals," he added.

"If you spot something on your skin that doesn't feel right, like a little spot or tick, then get it checked out immediately."