EPISODE 25 - Terrence Hartnett

Beyond Survival: Dan Matthews on Mental Health After Testicular Cancer

What happens when your cancer diagnosis becomes your comedy set? In this powerful and unexpectedly uplifting episode of Check One Two – The Lowdown on Testicular Cancer, host Paul McCaffery is joined by stand-up comedian Terence Hartnett, who shares his extraordinary journey from testicular cancer to lung cancer—and back to the stage. Terence opens up about his diagnosis with a rare and aggressive teratoma, undergoing major surgery, facing recurrence, and ultimately having his entire left lung removed. But through it all, he found one thing that never left him: his ability to laugh.

Terence reflects on discovering a massively swollen testicle, navigating the realities of testicular cancer symptoms, and the shock of a recurrence in the form of a rapidly growing tumour in his lung. He talks candidly about what it’s like to survive back-to-back diagnoses, endure chemotherapy, and confront the possibility of death—while still crafting punchlines from the chaos.

This episode explores how humor can become a life raft during illness, offering insight into how Terence transformed his cancer experiences into two touring comedy shows, including the brilliantly titled One Ball Show. Through comedy, Terence brings male cancer awareness to unexpected spaces—turning a testicular lump into a conversation starter and normalising self-checking with honesty and laughter.

Alongside his personal story, Terence discusses the importance of NHS testicular cancer advice, the role of family and loved ones during treatment, and how cannabis edibles helped manage chemotherapy side effects. He acknowledges the emotional processing he’s still working through, and how surviving testicular cancer and losing a lung changed him—making him more empathetic and self-aware.

Whether you’re a cancer survivor, someone worried about a swollen testicle, or just a fan of real stories told with heart and humour, this episode is a must-listen. Terence's unique voice and resilience shine a light on the mental, physical, and emotional rollercoaster of cancer treatment—and remind us that finding the funny doesn’t mean avoiding the hard stuff.