'Don't be scared, get checked', says testicular cancer survivor from Telford
Ash Sharpe was diagnosed with testicular cancer at 28
A testicular cancer survivor from Telford is urging young men to 'get checked' if something does not seem quite right.
This April marks Testicular Cancer Awareness month, with the reminder that each year in the UK around 2,400 people are diagnosed with testicular cancer, according to Macmillan.
What is Testicular Cancer?
Testicular cancer starts in one of the testicles. It can affect anyone who has testicles, including men, transgender women and people assigned male at birth.
It is most likely to happen between the ages of 25 and 40, according to Macmillan.
They said the most common symptom is a lump or swelling in a testicle, or a dull ache, pain, or heaviness in the scrotum.
Macmillan Cancer Support have issued guidance on how to check for testicular cancer here.
Ash's story:
Ash was first diagnosed with testicular cancer at 28 after he found a lump.
This was quickly removed and Ash said he thought his cancer journey was over.
The cancer came back after a few months. He then had to go through chemotherapy and an operation, and then was given the all clear.
"Being aware of these diseases in young people is so important"
Ash said that he began checking himself, after a friend had found a lump on his own body:
"Being aware of these diseases in young people is so important. If things are checked early on, it gives you a much better chance.
"I was really worried about chemotherapy, but for doctors it is a simple procedure. That gave me confidence to go through the motions and listen to my doctors," he said.
Once Ash had got the all clear, he said it was like ‘hitting refresh’ on his life.