EPISODE 38 - Steven Crocker

Steven Crocker: From Delay to Diagnosis – A Survivor’s Perspective on Testicular Cancer and Recovery

In this candid and deeply personal episode of Check One Two – The Lowdown on Testicular Cancer, host Paul McCaffery is joined by Steven Crocker—testicular cancer survivor, board member of the Testicular Cancer Foundation, and advocate for early detection. Steven shares his powerful journey, from ignoring subtle testicular cancer symptoms for over two years to navigating a diagnosis after discovering a lump in his back. His story underscores the importance of male cancer awareness, how to check testicles properly, and trusting your instincts when something feels off.

What unfolds is a raw, honest reflection on survivorship: misdiagnosis, the physical side effects of chemotherapy like tinnitus and peripheral neuropathy, and the emotional weight of fearing recurrence. Steven also discusses fertility after cancer, the decision to bank sperm, and the importance of specialised care when considering procedures like RPLND. He talks openly about body image, the absence of a testicular prosthetic, and why self-acceptance and supportive partners matter more than what's "down there."

Throughout the episode, Steven also explores the emotional toll of a testicular cancer diagnosis—from phantom pains and mental health struggles to the long-term impact treatment has on everyday life. Yet his optimism and humour shine through. He credits laughter, community connection, and storytelling as powerful forms of cancer support for men. Whether he’s joking about prosthetics or reflecting on how cancer changed his outlook, Steven brings compassion, grit, and a wealth of lived experience to the mic.

This episode is packed with real-life testicular cancer stories, cancer support insights, and takeaways for anyone navigating survivorship, side effects, or mental health recovery. If you or someone you love is facing a testicular lump, swollen testicle, or has questions about life after diagnosis, this is a must-listen. Steven’s journey reminds us that even in the darkest chapters, we can find meaning—and even humour.