EPISODE 40 - Jack Brown
Running Forward: Jack Brown’s Testicular Cancer Journey from Diagnosis to Ultramarathon
In this moving episode of Check One Two – The Lowdown on Testicular Cancer, host Paul McCaffery sits down with Jack Brown, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer at just 16 years old. Jack’s story begins with a common but critical delay—he noticed testicular cancer symptoms like aches and a lump but put off seeking help due to fear, embarrassment, and the emotional weight of confronting cancer as a teenager. What followed was a challenging journey through three surgeries, four months of chemotherapy, and countless physical and emotional hurdles—all while trying to keep up with school and navigate adolescence.
Jack speaks candidly about the stigma surrounding men’s health, the discomfort many young men feel about discussing testicles or testicular lumps, and how writing a note helped him open up to his parents. From the surreal experience of sperm banking at 16 to the profound mental health effects of diagnosis, Jack brings honesty, humour, and strength to every part of his story.
Listeners will also hear how the Teenage Cancer Trust played a vital role in Jack’s support system, offering specialised care, bridging the gap between child and adult oncology, and even liaising with his school. Now in remission, Jack is preparing to run an ultramarathon—120 miles from the hospital where he was treated to his university campus—as a defiant act of resilience and a powerful message that cancer doesn’t define you.
This episode touches on key aspects of testicular cancer awareness, including how to check testicles, the importance of self-checking, fertility after cancer, and the long-lasting mental health impact of a testicular cancer diagnosis. If you’re searching for real-life cancer stories, NHS testicular cancer advice, or uplifting examples of cancer support for men—this episode is a powerful listen. Jack’s journey offers an inspiring reminder that even the toughest roads can lead to remarkable destinations.