Wales and Bournemouth star David Brooks says a request for paracetamol led to his cancer diagnosis.
Brooks has been given the all-clear after 18 months of treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma, and says he suffered a deterioration in his performances for several weeks before his condition was picked up in October.
After consulting a Wales team doctor, Brooks underwent tests for cancer after complaining of sudden weight loss and being kept up by night sweats.
In an interview on the club website, he said: "I just kind of asked for paracetamol and said: 'I'm struggling to sleep.'
"I had that conversation with the doc and went back to my room as if nothing had happened.
"And then I just got a knock on the door 20 minutes later. He obviously didn't want to do it in front of the lads.
"He said: 'I don't want to alarm you but everything you've told us is a side effect of cancer.'
"You don't really believe it when he says the word. Obviously you have a bit of a cry and hope that everything's going to be alright."
After being diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma, Brooks required fortnightly chemotherapy, which he says left him "barely able to get out of bed".
However, he has since battled back, and was given the all-clear in May 2022.
He has already appeared twice from the bench for AFC Bournemouth since March, and is focused on getting himself back up to speed.
"Just trying to get fit and play as many games as possible is the aim now," he said.
"I think it's probably mellowed me a little bit. You realise that football has been my life for 24 years before I got diagnosed and it all meant nothing in a brief moment."
Wales boss Rob Page is keen to get Brooks back into the international fold, with Wales set for another camp in June as they continue their bid for Euro 2024 qualification.
Speaking ahead of the last double-header of games, Page said: "We had a positive conversation. It’s a great achievement for him after what he has been through.
"He has had his first involvement, and it’s all about his rehab now and getting match fitness.
"It was unrealistic for him to come for these two games against Croatia and Latvia. But I have told him about how important he is for me — and to the future of Welsh football.
"There are camps in June, and he can’t wait to be a part of it again.
"He is an incredible talent, so to have someone like him coming back into the fold is great for all of us and gives us all a lift."
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