How to check for testicular cancer as Chris Stark ‘feels like an idiot’ for not spotting signs

Capital radio presenter Chris Stark has revealed he feels “like an idiot” for not spotting the signs of testicular cancer sooner.

The 38-year-old recently revealed he has been diagnosed with testicular cancer and urged men to check themselves.

Stark, who has since undergone treatment, wrote on Instagram: “Around a couple of months ago, after a routine trip to my local doctors, 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.”

Stark went on to share that he has had surgery and undergone preventative chemotherapy to help stop the cancer from returning.

He went on to say that he has made the decision to talk about his health issues to address the “stigma” around this type of cancer and hopes to encourage other men to check themselves, particularly those in the 18-49 age bracket in which he says it is “most common”.

“Caught early, this cancer is so so treatable,” he continued. “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.”

This morning the presenter made an emotional return to Capital Breakfast where he was embraced by co-hosts Jordan North and Sian Welby having taken time out to undergo treatment.

In a clip shared to Capital’s official Instagram account, Welby could be heard saying: “Group hug, group hug, We’ve missed you Chris! We’re so glad to have you back!”

Testicular cancer – what to look out for?

The NHS says typical symptoms of testicular cancer can include a painless swelling or lump in one of the testicles, or any change in shape or texture of the testicles.

“The swelling or lump can be about the size of a pea, but may be larger,” the men’s health charity, the Blue Ribbon Foundation explains. “Most lumps or swellings in the scrotum are not in the testicle and are not a sign of cancer, but they should never be ignored.”

Testicular cancer can also cause other symptoms, including:

• an increase in the firmness of a testicle

• a difference in appearance between one testicle and the other

• a dull ache or sharp pain in your testicles or scrotum, which may come and go

• a feeling of heaviness in your scrotum

How to check for signs of testicular cancer

Checking your testicles for early signs of cancer can help improve survival rates though early diagnosis. And while nearly all men survive testicular cancer, figures reveal if the cancer has spread, survival for five years or more can reduce to 65%.

While mammograms and cervical screenings help identify common tumours in women, testicular cancer has no national screening programme, making it all the more important that men know what is normal for them, to be able to spot when something isn’t.

Spotting the disease before it becomes advanced could help a patient avoid chemotherapy, preserve fertility and even save a life.

To check your testicles the NHS recommends the following steps:

1. Hold your scrotum (the skin that covers your testicles) in the palm of your hand.

2. Use the other hand to gently roll one testicle at a time between your thumb and fingers.

3. Feel behind both testicles – the small, soft tubes at the back of the testicles (epididymis) can sometimes become hard, swollen or painful.

How regularly should people check and when is the best time?

The charity Baggy Trousers UK says the best time to check yourself is after a warm shower or bath as your skin is most relaxed.

The NHS recommends checking testicles regularly (around once a month) for symptoms of testicular cancer and other conditions. This means you can get to know what is normal for you and makes it easier to spot any changes.

Who is most affected by testicular cancer and is it genetic?

While the condition is most common in men aged between 15 to 49, it can affect anyone who has testicles.

Cancer Research UK says it is often not known what causes most cases of testicular cancer, but there are some factors that may increase your risk of developing it.

There is an increased risk of testicular cancer in people with undescended testicles, with the risk considered greater where the condition isn’t corrected and if surgery takes place after puberty.

Brothers or sons of men who have had testicular cancer have an increased risk of getting testicular cancer with some of the increase in risk is thought to be caused by changes in certain genes. But Cancer Research UK says more research is needed to understand how these gene changes affect the risk of testicular cancer.

What to do if you find something unusual

The NHS recommends seeing a GP if you find:

• a lump or swelling in one or both of your testicles

• one or both of your testicles are getting bigger

• your scrotum (skin that covers the testicles) feels heavy, firm or hard

• you have an ache or pain in your scrotum or one or both of your testicles

• you notice a change in one or both of your testicles that is not normal for you

• you have a lump, pain or notice a change in the tubes at the back of each testicle (the epididymis)

If you notice a change or you feel a lump, it is important not to panic. “Most lumps are not cancer but if you do notice anything unusual or anything concerning you should visit your doctor as soon as you can,” the charity Baggy Trousers UK explains. “If caught early enough testicular cancer is highly curable.”

The charity also points out that many men have one testicle that is larger than the other or find that one testicle may hang lower than the other. This is very typical and is not a reason to be concerned.

Read more about testicular cancer: