Jacques Vendroux, a long-time voice of sports broadcasting on the radio, announced on CNews this Tuesday that he has been battling cancer for six months. The 78-year-old journalist, a prominent figure at Radio France and currently with Europe 1, sought to reassure listeners while acknowledging that it was a difficult ordeal.
An absence that concealed a personal ordeal
Invited on Tuesday to Time for the pros On CNews, Jacques Vendroux was initially there to talk about the 50th anniversary of AS Saint-Étienne's European campaign. But Pascal Praud questioned him about his absence from the airwaves, particularly from his "Vendredi Vendroux" segment. The journalist then admitted that he hadn't "I have absolutely no intention of talking about it today."
"I have cancer." : a live announcement
When pressed on air, Jacques Vendroux finally explained the reason for his withdrawal: "I took a break because I have cancer." He stated that he was currently undergoing treatment and emphasized that he was receiving medical care.
The journalist acknowledged the seriousness of the illness, while refusing to use it as a message of fear. He stated, in particular: "It's a treatable illness."He also praised the work of the doctors who are treating him. He further explained that he has been in more frequent contact with doctors and oncologists since receiving the diagnosis.
A diagnosis "very violent"
Jacques Vendroux confided that the announcement of the illness had been difficult to take in. "It's very traumatic when you find out."He stated that he had quickly recovered. He also indicated that he had been ill for six months.
The journalist, however, refused to present himself as a victim. He stated that he did not want to "to be seen as a martyr" and reiterated that he was doing everything he could to get through it. This statement was accompanied by a message of resilience, particularly when he recalled having already overcome difficult challenges.
Furiani, Brazil: Challenges already overcome
Jacques Vendroux recalled being seriously injured in the Furiani disaster in 1992, before the French Cup semi-final between Bastia and Marseille. He also mentioned a health problem he experienced during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. For him, these experiences fuel his determination today: he asserts that he wants to "to get out of it."
Jacques Vendroux doesn't want his mother to know.
Jacques Vendroux also explained that he hadn't told his 101-year-old mother about his illness for fear of upsetting her. The journalist said he felt relieved that the situation was now public knowledge, while asking not to be constantly questioned about his health.
Although Jacques Vendroux has been diagnosed with cancer for six months and is undergoing treatment, he has not specified the exact nature of the illness.
