Latest news with #testicularcancer
The Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Chris Hughes reveals terrifying cancer scare after finding a lump on his testicle
CHRIS Hughes has revealed he found a lump on his testicle in a terrifying cancer scare. The Celebrity Big Brother star told fans about going to be tested. 1 He said: "Boys, just had a check up on the balls, small lump, thankfully all clear and nothing to worry about. "Yes because of what my family has been through, the documentary we made I prioritise this, but keep them checked and get them looked at to be sure."
New York Times
23-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Jonas Gutierrez interview, 10 years on: Cancer, his Newcastle exit and being loved by Maradona
After a decade of deliberation, Jonas Gutierrez accepts the way he left Newcastle United was perfect. Not the exit itself — he is still exasperated by his treatment — but the manner in which he signed off. 'With time to reflect, if I had to choose one moment to leave, it has to be that,' Gutierrez says. 'Beforehand, I said to John Carver (the interim head coach), 'Listen, I have a feeling I have to play this game'. It was like a movie script.' Saturday marks 10 years since Gutierrez assisted Newcastle's opener against West Ham United, before scoring an extremely emotional second with five minutes remaining — the goal which confirmed his adopted club would avoid relegation from the Premier League. It was Gutierrez's first goal since his return from testicular cancer and since being told his contract would not be renewed. He was dismayed, believing his illness was used by the club's hierarchy to engineer an early exit. 'I love the club and felt I deserved to continue for everything I'd done for seven years,' Gutierrez tells The Athletic. 'Before my illness, I rarely missed games and I'd play so many positions, never complaining. Advertisement 'To have news they don't want you, in that way, it was so sad. Over the months before, I could expect what they wanted. Now I think, 'Oh, it was the best to leave in that way'.' Initially, Gutierrez's memories were soured by final confirmation he would not receive a new deal. The Argentinian was in Northern Ireland on a coaching course with Ryan Taylor, who was informed of his own release in a call with Carver, then the coach asked to be passed to Gutierrez. 'It made me think they don't care about anything,' Gutierrez told BBC Radio 5 Live in 2015. The 'they' was the club's hierarchy under Mike Ashley, the former owner, with Gutierrez's frenzied celebration against West Ham aimed at the boardroom. 'It was not planned, it just happened,' says Gutierrez, referring to his decision to hold his hands behind his ears. 'My celebration was for… let's call them some 'special people'. 'I didn't deserve the treatment I received. It came from inside of me and I wanted them to know this is not the way you treat a person.' Only in time would the extent of Gutierrez's grievance become clear. In April 2016, Gutierrez won a disability-discrimination lawsuit against the club. It was deemed that Newcastle opted against selecting him due to his diagnosis, preventing him from exercising an extension. 'That goal was my best feeling in football, one I still enjoy,' says Gutierrez. 'The goal was so important for Newcastle, the celebration, and me remembering what I'd been through. I could feel the love of the fans, knowing this was going to be my last goal, my last game. It was something really special.' When Gutierrez collided with Bacary Sagna during Newcastle's defeat against Arsenal on May 19, 2013, he felt pain around his genitals. When the discomfort did not subside, Gutierrez sought medical advice and a tumour was discovered on the then 30-year-old's testicle. 'I had an inflammation,' Gutierrez says. 'The specialist called and said, 'You have cancer'. I was walking the dog and started crying because it impacts you immediately. I had never known much about cancer. It was frustrating, but I went home, spoke with my family and they said, 'Keep calm, we are going to do the best for your recovery'.' Advertisement Was he scared? 'Scared is not the word,' he says. 'You don't really know how it's going to be, what's going on, so it makes you nervous. That's how I'd describe it.' Gutierrez returned to Argentina, where he paid for his own surgery to remove the testicle that October. 'I knew it (the health system) in Argentina and decided to go back because I can't understand the medical words 100 per cent in Newcastle,' Gutierrez says. 'Imagine having something like that explained to you in another language. I also wanted to be at home, around family. It was the best decision.' Football still carries elements of overt masculinity, but Gutierrez had no hesitation in having the operation. 'When you're a professional footballer, you have the best quality medicine and nutrition, you think that nothing can happen to you — that's the mindset you have,' Gutierrez says. 'But then you realise it can happen to anyone. 'Once I knew I had cancer, I thought, 'I'm going 100 per cent for my recovery'. I didn't know if I was going to play football again. The main point was my recovery.' Within six weeks, he was training again. 'Then I thought, 'Now I'll try to play football again',' says Gutierrez. 'Only after I'd recovered. Before it was not in my mind.' In December 2013, Gutierrez returned to Tyneside expecting to rejoin the first-team setup. But Alan Pardew, the manager, told him to look for a new club and he joined Norwich City on loan. 'It was incredible to be told that,' Gutierrez says. 'I can laugh about it now. But I got frustrated, sad. I'd come back from an operation, had cancer, and the first week I was back in Newcastle, the manager told me, 'We're loaning you'. 'Imagine how you'd feel… I couldn't understand that type of decision. But then, over time, you come to understand really where they are coming from… .' Advertisement Again, Gutierrez is referring to Newcastle's hierarchy and what he felt were their attempts to prevent him earning a contract extension. At the tribunal in Birmingham, Gutierrez broke down in tears when he was cross-examined by Newcastle's lawyers and, once the panel (partly) found in his favour, he claims to have received congratulatory messages from his former team-mates. 'The first thing is you have to treat someone as a person,' says Gutierrez. 'It's important to be human. That's why I got so sad with some people in Newcastle and I'm so glad about the support of the fans because they were always with me.' The initial surgery did not rid Gutierrez's body of cancer, either. He felt pain in his kidneys and his second check-up detected the illness had spread. He returned to Argentina during the summer of 2014 and, while staying at his parents' home in Buenos Aires, underwent invasive chemotherapy, which often left him bedridden. 'It makes you so tired, you get headaches, pains,' Gutierrez says. 'Imagine as someone who always plays sport, you feel no energy — it's really hard. Then you lose hair, on your head and whole body, but it's what you have to do to be healthy again.' For a year, Gutierrez kept his diagnosis private. Aside from Fabricio Coloccini, his best friend, the Newcastle squad were not even told. 'We didn't make it public,' says Gutierrez. 'The board knew, but the players, not at the beginning. We waited to know what I had to go through before telling everyone.' Supporters only became aware of Gutierrez's condition following an interview in Argentina in September 2014. Fans chanted his name and applauded in the 18th minute of matches, due to his squad number. Papiss Cisse celebrated scoring against Hull City by revealing a vest with the message, 'Always looking forward Jonas,' while Steve Harper helped create the clothing brand OddBalls to raise awareness of the illness. Advertisement 'The love of the fans and my team-mates, I felt it from Argentina,' Gutierrez says. 'It gave me strength.' Just 15 days after being signed off, he ran the Buenos Aires marathon in five hours, 22 minutes, to encourage others to check for symptoms. The initial proposal was to merely start and finish the race. 'I said, 'No chance, I'm doing it all',' he says. 'My fitness coach said, 'You're crazy'. But I did it. Unbelievable.' Even so, chemotherapy decimated him physically. 'What I really lost was muscle,' says Gutierrez. 'I felt weak crossing, passing and shooting. It took me three months to be back in the best condition.' Gutierrez made his comeback as a substitute against Manchester United on March 4, 2015. Greeted by a huge ovation, Coloccini, the captain, then passed the armband to Gutierrez, who was making his first Newcastle appearance for 17 months. He sported a new tattoo on his arm, with the date he received the all-clear (03-11-14) and lyrics from Eminem's No Love: 'I'm alive again, more alive than I have been in my whole entire life.' Despite representing Argentina at a World Cup, playing again for Newcastle is what Gutierrez considers his greatest achievement. 'In Argentina, the World Cup is the best because we love to represent our country in that shirt,' Gutierrez says. 'But these memories from Newcastle I have in my heart and head, I'll never forget them. Since going through my illness and starting another part of my life, the second part, it had to be my biggest moment.' If Gutierrez's talents were always appreciated by Newcastle fans, his greatest proponent was one of the finest players in history. In 2009, Diego Maradona, then Argentina's manager, declared his team was, '(Javier) Mascherano, (Lionel) Messi, Gutierrez — and eight others.' 'We built a really strong relationship. He loved the way I played,' says Gutierrez, beaming over video call from his home near Buenos Aires, while pouring himself some mate, the herbal drink. 'He's a hero around the world. To have Messi on the pitch alongside me and Diego on the bench, can you imagine? We were privileged.' So why did Maradona take such a shine to him? 'He told me he liked the way I play, the character I show,' Gutierrez says. 'He was really proud of how I defended the shirt. The best player in history, alongside Messi, telling me that. Wow!' Gutierrez won 22 caps, featuring at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa alongside Messi. 'Messi is something I can't explain,' he says. 'I've played with a lot of fantastic players, but Messi is like two steps above. He's something different. I've never seen something similar to what he can do with the ball.' Maradona was not only pivotal for Gutierrez with Argentina. He also helped convince Gutierrez to stay at Newcastle following relegation in 2009. 'I'm so grateful because it was a hard moment,' Gutierrez says. 'Many managers expect internationals to be in the top division, but I wanted to stay and he told me: 'I don't care. I know you're happy there. The only thing I need from you is to play, nothing else'. Advertisement 'That was fantastic for me because I enjoyed it in Newcastle from the moment I arrived. Staying was one of my best decisions.' The sentiment is genuine, yet it still feels remarkable, given the chaos during Gutierrez's first season. Newcastle had four managers and were demoted, but Gutierrez immediately felt at home. Supporters embraced him as 'Spiderman', following a celebration he performed at Real Mallorca after meeting a fan and his son at a cinema. 'I promised the boy I'd do a special celebration and Spiderman was just out,' says Gutierrez. 'I bought a mask and had it in my underwear. I did the celebration and when I arrived in Newcastle, fans called me 'Spiderman', asking me to do it. I bought three over the years because I kept washing it!' In 205 appearances across seven years, Gutierrez helped Newcastle achieve promotion in 2009-10 and a fifth-place finish in 2011-12. He scored 12 goals, including a memorable strike against Wolverhampton Wanderers in October 2011. 'All the goals were special,' Gutierrez says. 'But the Wolves one, when I showed skills and shot with my left foot, I like most.' The 41-year-old is currently playing for Las Toninas in the Argentine fifth tier, where his return was received 'like a revolution'. Unsure how long he will continue, Gutierrez would 'love to be involved in Newcastle, the city or club, in the future, potentially in coaching'. Last month, he was filmed busking in Newcastle city centre. 'I love to play guitar,' Gutierrez says. 'I saw a guy playing and asked if he'd let me perform one song. I felt right at home.' Here's former #NUFC midfielder and cult hero Jonas Guttierez out busking in the city centre this evening. 🥹🇦🇷 — Magpie Media (@MagpieMediaX) April 29, 2025 In March, Gutierrez was at Wembley to watch Newcastle finally end their 70-year domestic trophy drought. 'It was incredible because that city deserves it,' he says. 'We wanted to win a trophy but we couldn't and that made me upset because you didn't feel the club wanted to reach its potential. Newcastle should be one of the four biggest clubs in England — with Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal — I always felt that. 'You can see how the club has changed. Two finals, Champions League, a trophy — it's different now. They needed one trophy, one impact, and they would take off.' He may have left a decade ago in testing circumstances, but Gutierrez's connection to Newcastle remains undiminished. 'I'll always love the fans and the city,' Gutierrez says. 'I'm one Geordie more.'
BBC News
20-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Ross-on-Wye testicular cancer survivor urges other men to talk
A man who has lost two testicles to cancer is urging more men to check themselves for signs of the Penwell, now 43, from Ross-on-Wye, was first diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of Penwell said checking for signs of cancer was as important as waking up in the morning, adding: "What's a little fumble in the shower for two minutes, it's nothing. Everybody knows themselves. If something's not right, go to the doctors."He said people needed to stop being so shy about it and talk about it. Mr Penwell said he caught his cancer early both times, so he had a "best-case scenario."He said he had always been motivated, confident and outgoing but his initial discovery that he had cancer made him feel "on a back step" and feeling for the first time in his life that he didn't really know how to deal with he was fortunate to have lifelong friends who he calls his brothers, he said, who supported him. Roller coaster journey Discovering he had cancer for a second time changed his Penwell said he ended up having testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) - going from injections every 10 weeks to daily sachets of gel - and "it had been a rollercoaster".But he said: "Four years later, I've only just got to a level, or taking the levels of TRT, that I actually feel a little bit human now. I don't feel sluggish. I don't feel depressed. I don't feel unmotivated." His message to other men is "live life to the fullest", he said."Talk to each other. Check yourselves. Don't waste a minute," he saidAccording to the NHS, testicular cancer is most common cancer in men aged 15 to 49. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Globe and Mail
20-05-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
How a cancer diagnosis helped Sum 41 guitarist Dave Baksh bring the band's final tour into perspective
In the winter of 2022, Dave Baksh – lead guitarist of Canadian pop-punk legends Sum 41 – was gearing up for the band's first postpandemic tour. The shows were something the musician needed on a personal and professional level. A life spent writing music and touring made slowing down hard. With the music industry and live performance sidelined, Baksh had spent a lot of time wondering if he'd ever get his former life back – and what his life would look like if he wasn't making art. The tour was a chance for things to feel normal again. But the guitarist's excitement was put into jeopardy when he found a lump on his testicle. After a checkup with his doctor and a follow-up with a specialist, Baksh was diagnosed with testicular cancer. That news initially came with a lot of fear and uncertainty. Was he going to be able to go on the tour? Was he going to be okay? Surprisingly for the musician, treatment and recovery were relatively simple. Because things were caught early, all that was needed was surgery and two months recovery. Then everything was back to normal. Recently, Baksh has been sharing his story in support of the Canadian Cancer Society's fundraising drive. The Globe and Mail had the chance to chat with the musician about his diagnosis, treatment and how that informed his attitude during Sum 41's final tour. In 2022, you were getting ready for the band's first postpandemic tour when you got your diagnosis. How did you know to get screened? And what did it feel like getting the news? One day I was taking a pee and felt an odd lump on my left testicle. I was like, 'Okay, I guess that's something to pay attention to.' It kept going away and coming back. When it was there for about three days in a row, I said to myself, 'This is strange. Time to go to the doctor.' The doctor checked and immediately sent me to a specialist in Oshawa. I get to that appointment and am told after the examination, 'We're pretty sure that you have testicular cancer.' He also said, 'I think we've caught it early. This is, statistically, a cancer that is 88- to 92-per-cent survival rate. Realistically, it's more like 98 per cent. We're going to basically cut you open like a wallet, remove the testicle and then off you go. You can live your life.' I was just blown away by the fact that I had been diagnosed with cancer. My mind raced. But the whole time I was assured that it was going to be a very quick and easy recovery. I think a lot of people can be nervous about going to their doctor or even self-screening. Even using the proper terminology here, talking about the health of your testicles can feel awkward or embarrassing. Where do you think that hesitancy comes from? I think because of the generation I was brought up in, we were taught by our fathers or people with testicles to just shrug things off. I sat there for probably about a week being like 'Lump on/lump off. Whatever. It probably isn't a problem.' Then finally I woke up one day and was like, 'Well, what if it is a problem?' Luckily, I did. There are people in my family who have gone through worse with the same diagnosis. Aside from the lump, was there any feeling of sickness, lethargy or anything else to indicate that there might be a problem? No. Absolutely nothing. I only knew because I was doing what I really recommend everybody who is born with testicles, however you identify, does. Please, please take some time to check yourself. Sum 41 has had their fair share of health scares over the years. I was wondering how your bandmates reacted to the diagnosis and if it impacted the work at all. Oh, man, it was immediate love: 'Whatever we can do – whatever we have to do – we will do for you." I was really, really sad because I was thinking the diagnosis and the recovery from the surgery was going to make me miss my first tour back after the pandemic. After spending all this time on a couch, drinking, binging Love on the Spectrum, trying to figure out if my life was ever going to be the same again, we're about to head back out and all of a sudden I get hit with this. The guys were just super supportive. Same with management. The outpouring of positivity was amazing during a really vulnerable time. Did that diagnosis in conjunction with all the time in the pandemic change your perspective on playing shows or making art for a living? I don't think it changed my perspective. I think it just added to the perspective. I don't know if it was overcoming cancer, but I definitely felt a deeper connection to the guys even on top of the chemistry that we have on stage. Because if I had waited longer, who knows? I may not even have been able to experience that. Why be open about your diagnosis and your recovery story? What's the desire to share? Man, I was blown away with the fact that everything happened so quickly. The biggest dent to my life during that period was an eight-week recovery. That's it. Because I decided to go ask a doctor if something was wrong with me, it was only eight weeks out of my life. We have a health care system that will take care of you. We have to take advantage of things. I have seen things go south with people I love. But a major impact in your life can be prevented if you just take the time to check your body, listen to your body and be present with your health. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Loose Men star Craig Doyle has a testicle examination live on air from co-star Dr Amir Khan leaving viewers stunned
Loose Men viewers were left stunned after lead panellist Craig Doyle received a testicular cancer examination from his co-star live on air. The anchor for the all male panel special was checked over by Dr Amir Khan as they set out to show viewers how painless and quick the exam is. Craig, 54, who remained fully clothed during the check, was examined by Dr Amir over his trousers while his back to the audience. The segment was filmed from the side so that the audience at home could watch as the testicular examination take place. Dr Amir used his thumb and forefinger to carry out the examination, while encouraging viewers at home to check themselves regularly. Craig's co-stars Sam Thompson and Charles Spencer watched as the check took place during Thursday's pre-recorded show. The anchor for the all male panel special was checked over by Dr Amir Khan as they set out to show viewers how painless and quick the exam is After Dr Amir finished, Craig said: 'How are they doing? They good, the lads, yeah?' Dr Amir replied: 'They're good! They feel good!' As the audience clapped, Craig said: 'This is a high point, the audience are clapping my testicles.' Following this, Dr Amir revealed he would be showing viewers a prostate exam, explaining prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men. Craig joked: 'Woah, there is only so much I will do for television!'. Dr Amir then carried out the procedure on a 'trainer rectum', which Craig produced from under the desk. The medic revealed that he wanted to remove the stigma from the examination because a lot of men are often too worried to attend one. During the check, Dr Amir put on a pair of blue surgical gloves put lubricant jelly on his finger tips before proceeding to show it would be done Dr Amir said: 'There's no need to fear that prostate exam at all.'
