Prostate and testicular cancer survivors urge men to talk about ‘down there’

Aaron, 44, said it began with a pain in one testicle and initially they thought it was a cyst.

But a tumour was actually found in the other testicle when he went to get checked out.

“It was a really difficult and scary time. I didn’t talk about those things,” he said.

“But now I would encourage all men if you’re experiencing pain, lumps, bumps, or anything unusual get checked out.”

He advised people to listen to the experts after his consultant told him that if they removed his testicle and not just the tumour, there was a 95% chance the cancer would not come back and 22 years later, it has not.

And despite being advised it might not be possible, he and his wife went on to have a second son after his treatment and recovery.

The Bangor businessman works with the charity, Friends Of The Cancer Centre, and its Talking Balls campaign, and he thinks humour is the key to get the conversation going.

“The Balls on the Falls has been a great conversation starter,” he said.

“On a social media post I advised men when they pass the balls on the Falls Road, to remember to check their own balls.”

Testicular cancer is highly treated if detected early.

In Northern Ireland, about 66 men are diagnosed each year, and on average, there is only one death per year.