A biopsy last week confirmed the initial diagnosis and Roughead will now undergo treatment over the next 12 months.

He will not be able to play footy during that period of time.

Despite the "scary" news, Roughead vowed he wasn't going anywhere and intended to return to the footy field as soon as possible.

"When the news hit two weeks ago, it was shock and I didn't really believe it," Roughead said.

"Obviously I was a bit emotional about it all, but now as we've had the biopsy and I've seen the doctors and understand what needs to happen.

"The sooner we start (treatment), the sooner it's all over. It's head down and bum up, really.

"Its' going to be a bit of battle for the next few months ... it's not like I'm going anywhere.

"I'm 29 and I've still got two-and-a-half years on a deal (and) hopefully longer, I'm not going to come back to another team, I'm going to come back here - that's the plan."

Roughead's upbeat manner was highlighted when he took part in on-field training drills with teammates immediately after his press conference.

Tuesday morning marked the first time Roughead had opened up about his cancer battle since news broke that the disease had returned and spread to other parts of his body.

The key forward was diagnosed with a melanoma on his lip last season, which had to be removed.

Roughead, who had also suffered a serious knee injury earlier this year, has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

He described the support he had received so far as "unreal".

"It's not like a weekend where you have to choose one side or the other - you know everyone's in your corner for this one," he said.

"When you've got 100 percent backing, it means a fair bit."

The 29-year-old admitted that his shock was compounded by the fact that he was feeling well and he was hoping to play this week against Melbourne at the MCG.

"Initially the emotions were flat, it's come back, obviously when you hear they're on your organs it becomes scary," Roughead said.

"But I feel fine and I know what we have to do. Everyone's in your corner, I'm still going out and having dinner, I'm not home or bed-ridden.

"The doc was pretty up front with what happened and what needs to happen, footy becomes second nature and you've got to worry about our health and yourself and family and friends and who needed to know."

Roughead will begin revolutionary immune therapy next week.

"I'm going to Peter Mac (Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre) and having the treatment that needs to be done," he said.

"I understand the drugs we need to use are very, very good and the percentages are very good, so we just head in there, get the treatment done.

"I'm still going to be out here (at the club) and going on trips, I don't lose my hair, I'll be the same old me, just unfortunately I cannot play."

Hawthorn club doctor Michael Makdissi explained the treatment consisted of a "quick injection" and was an "in-and-out" procedure.

"The treatment is one of the new immune therapies, it's not chemotherapy. There has been a fair bit of news about immune therapy, it has changed the landscape of melanoma treatment," Makdissi said.

"The advantage is you don't get typical side effects but the disadvantage is you don't know what the side effects will be.

"It's a serious problem but we are optimistic."

With regards to training loads, Makdissi said Roughead would be monitored throughout as the treatment will be "full on".

The former No.2 draft pick will undergo four treatments three weeks apart in the first three months, and then treatments every two weeks thereafter.

Roughead asked that he be treated normally by media and the public and asked that positive emotions be sent his way.

"When I'm at hospital, you don't need to take photos ... I don't like gong down the street and have all eyes looking at you. I don't need that at games and the players don't need that either," Roughead said.

"I get to come here (Hawthorn) everyday and hang out with 50 great mates - here is home in a sense. Every time you come here you don't worry about what happens on outside.

"I'm pretty well-liked I like to think," he said with a smile.

"Just seeing everyone smile towards me is enough. There's no point feeling down, it's not going to make me feel better, you feel better or anyone feel better. Be positive about all this."