North Melbourne Kangaroos great Ben Cunnington has thanked the football community for their love and support and says he is ready to tackle his cancer "head-on".

Cunnington, who had surgery in July after the discovery of a testicular tumour, will undergo chemotherapy after a medical check-up detected a secondary cancer this week.

He is expected to make a full recovery.

"It’s been a couple of months since my initial diagnosis and I can’t tell you how grateful we’ve been for the love and support from so many people in that time," Cunnington wrote on Instagram.

"It means the world to me and my family.

"I can reassure everyone that I’m in a good head space and ready to attack this head on with a great support team by my side.

"While I’m here, I want to pass on a massive thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff. I know I’m in really good hands.

"In the meantime, I’ll repeat my message from earlier this year – if you don’t feel quite right with your health and wellbeing, please see a professional. Even better, schedule in regular health checks so you can get ahead of any potential issues."