“I was diagnosed with stage-two testicular cancer. Prior to my diagnosis, I felt reasonably familiar with the signs and symptoms of cancer, though my only personal symptom was a lump in my testicle.

I didn’t experience any barriers to getting a doctor's appointment, aside from my own personal life. I don’t go to the doctors very often at all and as I can work from home, I can easily rearrange my schedule. However, at this time, I was busy at work, so I put off ringing up. Once I did explain why I needed to see the doctor – that I had found a lump – there weren’t any delays in getting an appointment.

During my first appointment in late December 2018, the doctor examined me and fast-tracked me for an ultra-sound at hospital between Christmas and New Year. There were only three days from my initial appointment to when I was in the hospital for a scan; it was very quick. I was told on the day of the scan that I had cancer.

My experience of getting appointments was positive. There were few delays, and the GP referred me straight away and acted very quickly when they believed I may have cancer. They were also very supportive. The oncologists were very clinical and business like.

After my initial diagnosis, I had surgery in January 2019. I was discharged and told that everything was ‘all good’. However, I was then called back after my case was presented to a multidisciplinary team in London as they believed the cancer had spread.

I wouldn’t say I was overly worried about things during the diagnosis process. I focused on what I had to do and could sort out. My main concerns were for my two children.

Sitting in the oncology wards and waiting rooms felt bizarre as I was the youngest person there. I did, however, feel like I was strong enough to defeat cancer, given I’m a fit man who lives a clean life.

I tried incredibly hard to listen to the advice given by the specialists during each appointment. I tried to take someone with me every time and I also made lots of notes.

I don’t feel that talking about cancer is taboo in my circles. When I had it I felt I also became more aware of other people who had it. I do understand, though, why other people might find it challenging to talk about with others.”