The Welsh youth international confirmed his testicular cancer diagnosis in 2021, but only returned to play seven months later.
A devastating knee injury at the close of last season dealt another blow to the 23-year-old, forcing him out of action until January of this year.
With his health and fitness difficulties behind him, Barden can look forward to a bright future after signing a new two-year contract with Carrow Road.
“It’s been a tough few years for me personally, I’ve had quite a few setbacks,” he told reporters. “It has not been perfect, and I have not been where I would like to be.
“The club has supported me throughout, which has been fantastic. My family and I appreciate it, and I’m looking forward to having plenty of opportunity to play and demonstrate my abilities.
“I got cancer when I was pretty young. Looking at the positives, it’s done a lot for my perseverance and helped to shape me as a person, which has benefited my football. I see things differently and attempt to use them as a positive rather than a negative.
“I’m feeling physically fit now; I recovered from an ACL injury sustained last season while on loan.” I’m feeling great now, really fit, and ready to keep playing.
“Cancer alters one’s outlook significantly. When I was younger, it was a significant adjustment for me, which I had to adjust to.
“That perspective you get by being in a difficult circumstance, I strive to use it in my football now. I get less angry and it’s nice to have those reality checks.”
Barden intends to go on loan again next season, having missed out on vital game time due to his troubles in recent years.
“I think I need to get minutes, and I need to go play,” he said on official club channels.
“Next year, I believe it will be a loan. For me, that is wonderful. I want to go out there and play and get the minutes I’ve lost out on over the last few years. It’s critical for me to go play some football again.”
