EPISODE 27 - Jonny King

Jonny King on Testicular Cancer, RPLND Surgery & Redefining Masculinity

In this compelling episode of Check One Two – The Lowdown on Testicular Cancer, host Paul McCaffery speaks with 26-year-old testicular cancer survivor Jonny King, whose background in biochemistry gave him a unique lens on his own diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosed after discovering a testicle lump while getting ready for a night out, Jonny was thrust into a whirlwind of orchidectomy, chemotherapy, and ultimately RPLND—an invasive retroperitoneal lymph node dissection surgery.

What followed was not just a physical fight, but a deeply emotional and psychological journey that challenged everything Jonny thought he knew about strength, identity, and recovery. He talks about the fear of “borrowed time” before surgery, the toll of shifting treatment plans, and the unexpected emotional fallout of losing a testicle. Despite the high testicular cancer survival rate, Jonny reminds us that cancer support for men needs to address the trauma of treatment itself—not just the outcome.

Jonny shares his experiences navigating low points in body image, the shock of rapid hair and weight loss, and the challenge of feeling undesirable after surgery. But he also speaks powerfully about healing—from gym routines to mental health support via Macmillan—and about seeing his scar not as disfigurement, but as a “battle badge.”

This episode also dives into male cancer awareness and the importance of inclusive language when discussing testicular cancer. Jonny advocates for using terms like “people with testicles,” to make conversations more welcoming and reflective of diverse identities. He touches on the reality of “support fatigue” from friends, the power of social media as a coping tool, and how masculinity isn’t defined by anatomy, but by resilience, reflection, and personal growth.

With practical insights on how to check testicles, emotional takeaways for those navigating testicular cancer diagnosis and recovery, and a candid perspective on low testosterone after treatment, Jonny’s story is a must-listen. This episode is especially valuable for those seeking real-life testicular cancer stories, NHS cancer support, and relatable reflections on fertility, identity, and self-worth after cancer.