The former Wales outside half and amateur boxer was diagnosed with ocular melanoma at the end of 2012 through a routine eye test, the only way of detecting the rare disease before the risk of it spreading and becoming deadly increases dramatically.
He was treated at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital at the start of the year and is hopeful the early detection and successful radiotherapy was enough to prevent further complications. However, the former Ebbw Vale, Gloucester and Sale Sharks pivot is now embarking on a triple personal challenge in order to raise awareness of the cancer that could affect anyone.
He is attempting a sky dive on September 21, he will run up Snowdon a week later and complete the Cardiff Half Marathon on October 6.
He said: “In January this year I was diagnosed with Ocular Melanoma (eye cancer), a rare but deadly condition if not detected in the early stages. Fortunately my condition was detected last July through a routine eye test at Specsavers in Ebbw Vale which resulted in me being diagnosed early enough for the tumour to be contained through radiotherapy treatment.
“This disease is deadly because people are not aware of how to detect it, the only way it can be spotted in the early stages is through eye tests.
“So my strong advice to everyone is to get your eyes checked out. There are an estimated 500 cases per year in the UK. Some people survive Ocular Melanoma but lose their sight, again through late detection. It can affect anyone aged 8 to 80 and it is not as a result of my sporting background – it’s one of the few forms of cancer where lifestyle has no impact, it can affect anyone. I am still in recovery for two years but everything is moving in a positive direction.
“I cannot put into words how grateful I am for the support I’ve received already and after the experience of the past year or so, I was determined to do something to raise awareness of the potentially lethal disease. If one person survives through our efforts then surely it’s worth our time, effort and cash.”
Andrew Sutton, director of Specsavers in Ebbw Vale, where the abnormality was initially picked up said: “Byron originally visited us for a routine eye test back in 2012 and, as part of every test, we take a picture of the back of the eye using digital retinal photography.
“The back of the eye is the only place where microcirculation of the blood can be observed directly and it helps us to detect and manage conditions such as diabetic changes the onset of Glaucoma and macular degeneration.
“In Byron’s case, the optometrist spotted a slight discolouration and a small object at the back of the eye and immediately referred him to a specialist.
“Fortunately, we were able to catch the tumour (known as Choroidal Melanoma as it is found in the choroidal layer of the eye) early enough for treatment to take place, but in most cases there are no immediate symptoms, and tumours will continue to grow un-noticed. If Byron hadn’t come to us for an eye test, the chances are he would not have discovered the tumour until it was further advanced and much harder to treat.
“The eyes are the window to the body and regular eye tests can help to determine your general well-being, as well as provide early diagnosis of serious conditions. In fact, around 50 per cent of blindness in the UK could be eliminated if people had regular eye tests.
“Most people tend to think of an eye test as a vision test, which of course is very important. However, there is much more to an eye examination than most people are unaware of. We recommend everyone should have their eyes tested every two years or every 12 months if you are over 40.
“In Wales we are ahead of the rest of the UK with the introduction of the New Welsh Eyecare Initiative and Specsavers are major supporters. Many of our opticians receive further training and accreditation to do further specialist test procedures that can detect early conditions. This early detection allows our optical stores to refer patients to eye care specialist directly and quickly under the NHS system.
“We are continuing to support Byron throughout his treatment and think it is admirable that he wants to use his experience to raise awareness of the condition and the importance of regular eye tests.”
WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis said: “Byron has the full support of the Welsh Rugby Union, both for a full and rapid recovery from his illness and for the challenge he’s about to embark on. It is admirable that he is using a difficult time to raise awareness of the risk of eye cancer and the importance of regular eye tests.”
Go to www.justgiving.com/byron-hayward to find out more about Byron’s challenge and www.ocumeluk.org for further information on ocular melanoma.
