A YATE MAN who was diagnosed with testicular cancer over a decade ago has spoken out about the disease. 

Andy Whitehead, 30, from Yate, was diagnosed with testicular cancer back in 2012 – he was just 19 years old.

He said the first indication he had that anything could be wrong was when he noticed the size of his right testicle.

Andy visited the GP and was sent for further tests which came back as stage 5 cancer, after having spread to his lungs and lymph glands. 

He received treatment and following remission he was given the all clear five years after his diagnosis.

Andy is now urging all young men to check themselves regularly. 

Gazette Series: Andy Whitehead from Yate

He said: “I would say to any young men that they need to check once a month for any different signs so lumps and bumps and would urge them to get checked out as soon as possible by the GP.

"The sooner the better.

"I left mine late and it had spread.”

Andy says he is forever grateful for his great network of friends and family, and men’s testicular cancer charity, It’s in the Bag, who supported him through the treatment and his recovery.

He is now throwing his support behind breaking the stigma men feel about checking their ‘manhood’, encouraging them to talk openly about testicular cancer and help each other through their diagnosis or worries.

From Monday, Morrisons shoppers in the South West will find NHS advice on underwear labels urging them to contact their GP practice if they spot potential symptoms of breast or testicular cancer. 

The Nutmeg branded underwear featuring NHS advice will be in 240 Morrisons stores, including South West outlets from Gloucester to Penzance.

The labels will first appear in men’s boxer shorts and followed by crop top bras in the coming months.  

NHS guidance will be displayed on the fabric labels alongside the standard sizing and care information.

There will also be a QR code on the packaging and tags linking customers through to more detailed information on breast and testicular cancer on the NHS website.

The partnership with Morrisons is part of a campaign to encourage people to check their bodies for symptoms that could be cancer, then should contact their GP as early as possible.

Vinay Takwale, NHS England’s South West Medical Director, said: “Survival for both breast and testicular cancers has improved significantly over the last 50 years and we’re seeing more people than ever before diagnosed at an early stage, increasing their chances of recovery.

“It’s great to have a store like Morrisons on board for this important campaign, supporting the call for everyone to be aware of their own bodies.

“Please look out for lumps and bumps or anything else that is unusual for you and get checked out early - it could save your life.” 

Symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump or change in the look, shape or feel of one or both breasts, while symptoms of testicular cancer can include painless swelling or a lump in one of the testicles or any change in shape or texture of the testicles. 

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