Welcome to our #TestesTalk series, where we hear and share first-hand stories from those affected by testicular cancer. Each cancer journey is unique – from diagnosis to treatment and survivorship. Read on and ‘meet’ some incredible people that we’ve had the privilege of speaking with.
BJ Lange
BJ is a 39-year-old actor and comedian, and testicular survivor – he’s two years in remission from a relapse. BJ uses his craft of improv comedy as a coping mechanism and encourages others to do the same.
Dr. Phillip M. Pierorazio
Dr. Pierorazio, Associate Professor of Urology and Oncology, Director of the Testicular Cancer Program at the Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland, shares his knowledge and wisdom on testicular cancer and men’s health.
Aaron J. Wood
Aaron is a 32-year-old from London, England who was diagnosed at the young age of 17-years-old. He urges men to talk about issues bothering them, saying, “Don’t go at it alone.”
Joseph Theis
Joseph was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 33 after his wife discovered a mass. After an original misdiagnosis of an infection, his tumor nearly doubled in size – upon returning to the doctor, it was then discovered immediately.
Matt Wakefield
Matt is a two-time testicular cancer survivor. Matt ignored a lump for nine months due to embarrassment, when it tripled in size, he saw a doctor and was diagnosed with a stage one seminoma. Fourteen years later, he discovered a lump on his remaining testicle and was diagnosed for the second time with testicular cancer.
Andrew Bavington
Andrew was watching a TV show about testicular cancer, which prompted him to check himself for the first time. He discovered one testicular was larger than the other. After receiving a testicular infection diagnosis, he sought a second opinion and was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Torsten Koehler
Torsten was prompted to perform a self-check after reading a testicular cancer stat in a book – and he discovered a lump. His journey was tough and emotionally painful, but he’s now supporting other guys through his foundation, Love Your Nuts.
Jon Barr
Jon was on location in Mexico City shooting a travel video when he experienced a sharp pain shooting up his groin. An ultrasound detected it was a tumor.
Jonny Imerman
Jonny was diagnosed with cancer at the young age of 26 after experiencing crazy pain in his left testicle. After being diagnosed so young and never meeting anyone his age who was a cancer survivor, he co-founded a 1-on-1 peer network for families fighting cancer.
Thomas Cantley
Thomas had ignored the early signs of abnormalities in his testes until his testicle swelled to the size of an orange, causing excruciating pain. He was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 26. Today, he is one of the most outspoken voices on testicular cancer – known as “Mr. Ballsy.”
Justin Birckbichler
Justin was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 25. He discovered a lump during a routine self-exam in the shower in early October 2016. Justin works to raise awareness of testicular cancer and “live in a world where we can freely talk about testicular self-exams.