As Capital FM Breakfast presenter Chris Stark reveals he’s been diagnosed with testicular cancer, The Mirror takes a lot at the symptoms of the disease you should look out for
Chris Stark has encouraged other men to visit their doctor “about any possible symptoms” as he reveals his testicular cancer diagnosis.
The 38-year-old, who presents the Capital FM Breakfast show alongside Jordan North and Siân Welby, bravely revealed he’s been undergoing chemotherapy treatment after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer following a “routine trip” to the doctors.
Sharing the news on social media, he wrote: “Around a couple of months ago, after a routine trip to my local doctors, I found out I have Testicular Cancer. I had surgery pretty quickly and have been off the radio/ podcasts the last couple of weeks having chemotherapy to best prevent anything from coming back.
READ MORE: Capital FM’s Chris Stark, 38, diagnosed with testicular cancer and undergoing chemo
“The reason I want to share this is that I feel like an idiot that I didn’t spot this sooner. And although I’m effectively cured and it was caught early, my hope is any bloke reading this will perhaps think to check themselves today. Or go to a doctor if not sure about any possible symptoms.
The radio personality acknowledged that it was “tricky” to talk about, though was choosing to open up about his diagnosis in order to get other people to know what’s normal for them. He added: “Caught early, this cancer is so so treatable. It is most common in men aged 18-49. I also think it’s a tricky subject matter to talk about, but I’m willing to put my now one ball on the line here if it helps make that conversation less tricky for guys, encourages someone to check themselves and potentially saves a life.”
Each year, around 2,400 men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer. While it’s most common in men aged 15 to 49, anyone with testicles can be diagnosed. As a result, it’s important for people to check themselves so they know what is normal, and what is not normal, for their bodies.
According to the NHS, testicular cancer typically affects one testicle, though it can affect both. Professor Karim Fizazi, from France’s leading Gustave Roussy cancer hub, has previously encouraged people with testicles to cop a feel when in the shower to check for any odd, small, hard lumps. He added that if you find anything, you should “show it to a doctor”.
How to check your testicles for cancer:
- Stand in front of a mirror and check if you can see anything unusual, such as any swelling on the skin.
- Feel the size and weight of each testicle. You might notice that one testicle is larger or hangs lower than the other. This is completely normal.
- Get to know how your testicles feel by rolling each one between your fingers and thumb. They should feel smooth, without any lumps or swellings.
- Compare your testicles with each other and get to know any differences.
The tell-tale signs of testicular cancer:
- A lump or swelling in your testicle
- Your testicle getting bigger
- An ache or pain in your testicle or scrotum (the skin that covers the testicles)
- Your scrotum feeling heavy, firm or hard
Other symptoms to look out for include:
- An ache or pain in your back or lower tummy
- Losing weight without trying
- A cough
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- A sore or swollen chest
While these symptoms are common and can be caused by other conditions, it’s important to get them checked out by a doctor. Doctors have experience dealing with all sorts of concerns, so try not to be embarrassed.