RADIO star Chris Stark has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.
The DJ, 38, said he has undergone surgery and chemotherapy to prevent the disease from returning.
Chris Stark has been having treatment for testicular cancer[/caption]
Chris, who used to co-host with Scott Mills on BBC Radio 1 before joining Capital Breakfast, urged anyone with symptoms to see their GP as early as possible.
He said on Instagram: “Around a couple of months ago, after a routine trip to my local doctor’s, I found out I have testicular cancer.
“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.
“Caught early, this cancer is so so treatable. It is most common in men aged 18 to 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.”
Almost 2,500 new cases of testicular cancer are recorded every year in the UK.
There are around 65 deaths, according to Cancer Research UK.
As with all types of cancer, the earlier it’s caught, the better.
The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a lump or swelling in your testicle.
But the full list of early red flags includes:
- A lump or swelling in part of one testicle (it can be as small as a pea but may be much larger)
- A testicle that gets bigger
- A heavy scrotum (it may also feel firmer or harder)
- Discomfort or a sharp pain in your testicle or scrotum
If the cancer has spread, you may also experience back pain or a dull ache in your lower stomach.
Some people have a cough, difficulty breathing, problems swallowing, a swelling in the chest, and weight loss.
Treatment depends on several factors, including your cancer stage and grade.
Most people have surgery to remove their testicle as their first treatment.
After that, some need further chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Nine in 10 patients survive 10 or more years after diagnosis.
Testicular cancer mostly affects men aged 15 to 49, though it can occur at any time.
It’s not always clear what causes the disease, but you might be more likely to get it if:
- You have or had undescended testicles (when one or both testicles do not drop down into the usual place in the scrotum)
- Your brother or dad has had testicular cancer
- You’ve had the disease before
- You have or had a condition called hypospadias where the hole that pee and sperm comes out of (urethra) is not at the tip of your penis
- You have HIV or AIDS
- You are from a white British background
Scientists have also found a potential link between testicular cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD.
Chris presents Capital Breakfast alongside Jordan North and Sian Welby.
He is also one of the hosts of the That Peter Crouch Podcast.
