EPISODE 39 - Stuart Whitelaw

Delayed but Determined: Stuart Whitelaw’s Testicular Cancer Diagnosis and Recovery

In this episode of Check One Two – The Lowdown on Testicular Cancer, host Paul McCaffery speaks with Stuart Whitelaw, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer at 35. What begins as a story of frustration—being misdiagnosed and dismissed by a GP—evolves into a powerful testimony of perseverance, early detection, and the life-saving importance of seeking a second opinion. Stuart recounts how a testicle lump and persistent pain, initially brushed off as a pulled muscle, turned out to be cancer that had already spread to his lungs and abdomen by the time it was caught through a private ultrasound. His experience is a stark reminder of how vital it is to listen to your body and push for answers when something feels wrong.

Stuart takes listeners through every step of his testicular cancer journey—from the shock of diagnosis and the physical and emotional toll of chemotherapy to the psychological aftermath and fertility challenges that followed. He speaks candidly about the fear, the unknowns, and the quiet resilience it takes to rebuild your life after cancer. Stuart also shares the small but vivid memories—like the chemical smell in hospital toilets during treatment—that linger long after the medical milestones are passed.

Now a father thanks to successful IVF following sperm retrieval, Stuart’s story is one of hope as well as caution. He opens up about the mental health toll and how counselling helped him process the trauma of cancer, while urging others not to delay if they notice testicular cancer symptoms like a testicle lump, swelling, or persistent discomfort. With NHS testicular cancer advice, fertility insight, and firsthand reflections on navigating the system, this episode is a must-listen for anyone searching for real-life testicular cancer stories and genuine cancer support for men.