EPISODE 36 - Aaron Wood

Diagnosed at 17: Aaron Wood’s Testicular Cancer Journey”

At just 17 years old, Aaron Wood's world turned upside down with a testicular cancer diagnosis that no one — least of all a fit, healthy teenager — expects to face. In this powerful episode of Check One Two – The Lowdown on Testicular Cancer, Aaron sits down with host Paul McCaffery to share the raw, unfiltered truth about what it means to grow up under the shadow of a life-threatening illness. From misdiagnosis to relapse, and from emotional isolation to fierce resilience, Aaron’s story is a moving reminder that testicular cancer symptoms can strike at any age — and that self-checking could save your life.

Aaron describes how an initial consultation dismissed his condition as a hydrocele, and how an ultrasound revealed the truth — a testicle lump that was in fact cancer. He talks openly about the fear and confusion of treatment as a young man, the social fallout from losing friends, and the loneliness that crept in during the darkest periods of his journey. But even as he recounts these painful memories — including preparing himself for death during a brutal relapse that required high-dose chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant — he reflects with insight, maturity, and a drive to help others.

As he discusses the emotional toll of low testosterone after testicular cancer, the pressure to “be strong,” and the transformative impact of receiving cancer support, Aaron offers guidance to other young men who may be navigating similar diagnoses. He stresses the importance of reaching out, removing shame, and opening up about your mental health. This episode also sheds light on fertility after cancer, the value of empathy, and the lasting power of true friendship.

Aaron’s experience is more than a testicular cancer story — it’s a call for greater male cancer awareness, early detection, and better support networks for young patients. Whether you’re a teen, a parent, or someone trying to support a loved one through diagnosis or recovery, this men’s health podcast UK episode offers reassurance, information, and inspiration.