SVEN'S BATTLE
What type of cancer did Sven-Goran Eriksson have?
Sven opened up on how he was preparing to say ‘goodbye’ in doc aired days before his passing
SVEN-GORAN Eriksson revealed he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer in January 2024.
He has now sadly passed away at the age of 76 — here we take a look at what type of cancer the former England boss had.
3
What type of cancer did Sven-Goran Eriksson have?
Sven-Goran Eriksson revealed he was suffering from terminal pancreatic cancer at the start of 2024.
He had told a Swedish radio station at the time that he had "at best a year" to live.
In February 2019, Eriksson stepped down as sporting director at Karlstad Fotboll amid serious concerns about his health.
In a statement on the team's website, he wrote: "I have chosen to limit my public assignments for the time being, due to health problems which are under investigation."
More on Sven-Göran Eriksson
What did Sven-Goran Eriksson say about his diagnosis?
On January 11, 2024, Eriksson opened up to Swedish radio station P1 about his cancer diagnosis.
He told P1: "Everyone understands that I have an illness that is not good.
"Everyone guesses it's cancer and it is. But I have to fight as long as I can."
When asked about the prognosis, Eriksson said he has "maybe at best a year, at worst a little less, or at best maybe even longer".
Most read in Football
He added: "You can't be absolutely sure. It is better not to think about it.
"But you can trick your brain. See the positive in things, don't wallow in adversity, because this is the biggest adversity of course, but make something good out of it."
Sven-Goran Eriksson close to tears as he's given incredibly emotional tribute by former club amid cancer battle
Eriksson revealed how he sought medical help after he suddenly collapsed while going on a 5km run.
After consulting doctors, he was told he had suffered a stroke and had incurable pancreatic cancer.
Eriksson said: "They don't know how long I had cancer, maybe a month or a year".
An Amazon Prime documentary titled Sven was released on August 23, just days before his passing.
I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do. Don’t be sorry, smile
Sven-Goran Eriksson
In a moving clip near the end, Eriksson said: “I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well.
"You have to learn to accept it for what it is. Hopefully at the end people will say, yeah, he was a good man, but everyone will not say that.
“I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do. Don’t be sorry, smile.
"Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it."
Who was Sven-Goran Eriksson?
Eriksson was in charge of the Three Lions’ Golden Generation, taking charge in 2001 and leaving in 2006.
He took England to the quarter-finals in two World Cups and a European Championship.
3
As well as Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand, Eriksson also had aces like Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Michael Owen on his roster.
During his stellar career, he managed 16 sides across club and country- seeing him travel the globe in pursuit of work.
He brought an end to his managerial career in 2019 after leaving his post as manager of the Philippines national team.
How to watch the self-titled documentary 'Sven'
Amazon Prime documentary Sven chronicles the late former footy boss’s life, leading up to his cancer diagnosis.
It dropped at 8am on August 23, 2024.
The film features people who have been close to the ex-England manager over the years, including David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, and Nancy Dell’Olio.
3
During the new documentary, his children Johan and Lina speak of the impact his terminal diagnosis made on the family.
Johan said: “I had 10 missed calls from my sister, ‘Dad’s in the emergency room’.
“He’s not in a good way. You can kind of tell when the doctor’s in tears that… not good. Worst possible news.”
Lina added: “We found out that he had had five strokes and then you go into a state of fear. A panic mode.”
Following their father's diagnosis, both Johan and Lina stayed with their father at his home.
Eriksson's family confirmed the sad news of his passing in a touching statement released on August 26, 2024.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
It read: "Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away.
"After a long illness, SGE died during the morning at home surrounded by family."
What is pancreatic cancer?
PANCREATIC cancer is the tenth most common type of cancer in the UK and the fifth highest cause of cancer death, according to CRUK.
The disease affects a large gland that is part of the digestive system - the pancreas is located behind the stomach and under the liver.
It has two main functions: dripping digestive enzymes into the gut to help break down food, and releasing the hormones insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar.
Pancreatic cancer occurs when malignant - cancerous - cells form in the tissues of the pancreas.
Five signs of the disease that could be mistaken for another condition, or niggle, include persistent stomach ache, backache, indigestion, unexplained weight loss and bowel habit changes.
Other symptoms that might be more obvious include jaundice, difficulty swallowing and vomiting.
Patients may also suffer the symptoms of diabetes because pancreatic disease stops the production of insulin
The causes of the disease are not exactly known but there are several risk factors that can make someone more likely to get the disease.
Topics