EPISODE 21 - Tracy Tombides
Delay Is Deadly – The Legacy of Dylan Tombides
In this heartfelt and unforgettable episode of Check One Two – The Lowdown on Testicular Cancer, host Paul McCaffery speaks with Tracy Lee Tombides, the mother of Australian footballer Dylan Tombides, who was just 20 when he died from testicular cancer. Tracy shares Dylan’s deeply personal story, exploring the reality of testicular cancer symptoms, the consequences of delayed diagnosis, and how his legacy lives on through the DT38 Foundation.
At the peak of his career with West Ham United, Dylan discovered a lump on his testicle but postponed seeking medical attention to focus on his club’s relegation battle. That decision would prove fatal. Tracy speaks openly about the devastating impact of that delay, explaining how just three months made all the difference—and why urgent self-checking, early intervention, and NHS advice are critical for survival.
Tracy recounts how Dylan’s attitude remained remarkably positive even as he battled an aggressive form of cancer. Despite treatment, including chemotherapy and surgery, he continued to train, joke with teammates, and stay connected to the game he loved. His resilience, courage, and humour inspired not just his family, but the entire football community.
This episode explores the importance of recognising testicular lumps and knowing how to check your testicles. It highlights the emotional strain on families, the potential impact of low testosterone after testicular cancer, and how fertility after cancer is often an overlooked concern. Tracy also discusses the role of support systems—both personal and institutional—and the importance of educating young men about their bodies. She urges healthcare professionals and schools to talk more openly about male cancer awareness and to challenge the culture of delay and embarrassment.
Through the DT38 Foundation, Tracy continues to champion awareness, providing life-saving information and cancer support for men. Her mission is simple: teach boys and men how to do a testicular self-exam and remind them that if something feels off, it’s always worth checking—because testicular cancer does not discriminate, and early action saves lives.
If you’re looking for a men’s health podcast that tackles real issues with empathy and urgency, this episode is essential listening. Whether you’ve been diagnosed, know someone who has, or simply want to learn how to check for testicular cancer properly, Tracy’s story offers both guidance and hope.
This episode is more than a tribute—it’s a call to action. Share it with the men in your life. Start the conversation. And remember, when it comes to testicular cancer, delay is deadly.