EPISODE 24 - Dan Matthews

Beyond Survival: Dan Matthews on Mental Health After Testicular Cancer

In one of the most emotionally raw episodes of Check One Two – The Lowdown on Testicular Cancer, host Paul McCaffery speaks with Dan Matthews about the often-overlooked side of cancer recovery—the mental toll that follows physical treatment. Dan’s story is a vital reminder that survival doesn’t mean the struggle is over. Diagnosed with stage one testicular cancer after a delayed ultrasound, Dan’s journey began like many others—with a missed diagnosis.

While the surgery and single dose of chemotherapy were physically manageable, the aftermath proved far more difficult. Dan shares, with striking honesty, how plummeting testosterone levels left him battling suicidal thoughts and deep depression. Despite textbook “normal” hormone ranges, he faced repeated medical dismissal, an experience familiar to many men navigating post-cancer care. His story shines a spotlight on the need for more awareness of low testosterone after testicular cancer and its serious mental health implications.

Dan talks through the complex emotions of fatherhood during crisis, the anger, guilt, and confusion that came with wanting to give up, and the incredible difficulty of asking for help. He also shares his testosterone replacement therapy journey—navigating gels, injections, and fluctuating moods—alongside additional diagnoses like autoimmune thyroid disease and reactive hypoglycemia, all of which added layers to his health journey.

Throughout the conversation, Dan advocates for open dialogue, NHS testicular cancer advice that addresses mental as well as physical recovery, and the creation of safe spaces for men to talk about their pain without shame. His lived experience powerfully underscores that testicular cancer support doesn’t stop after surgery—it’s often just beginning.

Whether you're a survivor, a loved one, or someone searching for answers to testicular cancer symptoms, low testosterone, or post-treatment depression, this episode offers understanding, validation, and hope. Dan’s courage in speaking out may be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.