EPISODE 31 - David Andrews
David Andrews on Art, Advocacy & Surviving Testicular Cancer
In this powerful and deeply human episode of Check One Two – The Lowdown on Testicular Cancer, host Paul McCaffery speaks with artist David Andrews—better known by his creative alias And At What Cost—about his raw and reflective journey through testicular cancer. From the frustration of misdiagnosis to the resilience forged through surgery, chemotherapy, and RPLND, David offers a candid and courageous account of facing cancer in his thirties.
David first noticed a small testicle lump, which several doctors initially dismissed. But when his gut told him something wasn’t right, he persisted—and that persistence likely saved his life. After eventually being diagnosed with testicular cancer, David underwent an orchiectomy, four rounds of BEP chemotherapy, and a major RPLND operation to remove a teratoma. The tumour had grown to the size of a snooker ball and, during surgery, complications led to the removal of one of his kidneys.
Throughout this episode, David shares not just the physical toll of cancer treatment, but the mental, emotional, and logistical fallout too. He talks about body image, fertility after cancer, navigating life insurance, and how scars—both visible and invisible—continue to shape his experience. With honesty and humour, he describes why he chose not to have a prosthetic testicle and how he embraced a form of masculinity that isn’t defined by what’s in your pants.
From finding solidarity on Reddit’s testicular cancer forums to leaning on “kick it in the dick energy” from mates, David unpacks what true cancer support for men can look like. He also pays tribute to the small but significant gestures that make a difference—like the Cahonas “You’ve Got This” chemo care packs and the Cahonas Beermats for Balls campaign that inspired his own creative contributions.
Whether you’re going through a testicular cancer diagnosis, supporting someone who is, or want real-world insight into how to check testicles and spot testicular cancer symptoms early, this is a must-listen. David’s story is one of art, grit, and survival—and a reminder that awareness saves lives.