Former Vols guard Lofton underwent cancer treatment

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Former Tennessee guard Chris Lofton underwent treatment for testicular cancer after a failed drug test revealed he potentially had a tumor.

Lofton revealed to ESPN.com that he underwent surgery in March 2007 and had four weeks of radiation starting in May.

(enlarge photo) In this March 9, 2008 file photo, Tennessee's Chris Lofton (5) shoots over South Carolina's Brandis Raley-Ross during the second half of a college basketball game in Knoxville, Tenn. Lofton revealed to ESPN.com in a story posted Thursday, May 1, 2008, that he underwent surgery for testicular cancer in March 2007 and had four weeks of radiation starting in May. (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)

Lofton was randomly picked during the 2007 NCAA tournament for a drug test that revealed he had high levels of a hormone that serves as an indicator of steroid use or cancer.

The Southeastern Conference's 3-point record holder said in a statement released Thursday that it was a difficult time for him but he's now cancer-free.

Coach Bruce Pearl said Lofton and his family had wanted to keep information about his cancer private throughout the season. Team officials declined to comment further about Lofton's condition, citing HIPPA medical privacy laws.

Lofton was The Associated Press' SEC player of the year as a junior and a second-team All-American. He was a preseason All-American going into his senior season.

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