EPISODE 32 - Jack James Ryan

Jack James Ryan on Testicular Cancer, Body Image & Reclaiming Confidence

In this raw and relatable episode of Check One Two – The Lowdown on Testicular Cancer, host Paul McCaffery sits down with actor and advocate Jack James Ryan, best known for his roles in Coronation Street and ITV’s Passenger, to explore the untold emotional and psychological layers of surviving testicular cancer. Diagnosed at just 19 while training at drama school, Jack shares how early detection saved his life—but not without leaving lasting marks on his self-esteem, mental health, and sense of identity.

Jack describes the moment he discovered a testicle lump, the whirlwind of diagnosis, swift surgery, and chemotherapy, and how it changed the trajectory of his life. While the medical side moved quickly, the emotional aftermath lingered. He speaks openly about the insecurities that followed—particularly around dating, intimacy, and body image—and the long-term mental health impact that many young men experience but rarely talk about.

Throughout the conversation, Jack highlights the ongoing stigma around male cancer awareness and why open conversations about testicular cancer symptoms, self-checking, and vulnerability are essential. He recalls feeling isolated during his experience and now channels that into advocacy, aiming to be the voice he didn’t have. His creative outlet—a darkly comedic play titled Me and My Left Ball—became a way to process his trauma, reclaim his story, and spark meaningful conversations.

Jack reflects on the difficulty male friends sometimes have in offering emotional support, the power of journaling in separating thought from identity, and the importance of finding strength in vulnerability. He also describes how surviving cancer gave him a renewed drive in life and a hunger to achieve his dreams, not despite cancer, but because of it.

This episode is an essential listen for anyone navigating the emotional aftermath of a testicular cancer diagnosis, for those supporting a loved one, or for people simply seeking honest, real-world insight into how to check testicles, talk about male health, and challenge outdated views of masculinity. Jack’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and a quiet rebellion against shame.