Dorset testicular cancer survivor urges other men not to ignore the warning signs

A Dorset man diagnosed with testicular cancer has applauded a supermarket chain’s efforts to make people more ‘body aware’ of the potential cancer symptoms.

Morrisons in partnership with the NHS launched its Nutmeg branded underwear in August featuring advice on the labels inside urging shoppers to contact their GP practice if they spot potential symptoms of breast or testicular cancer.

The underwear is available across 240 Morrisons stores, including Weymouth.

Neil Prince, 58, who now lives in Poole but is originally from North Manchester, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2017.

The dad-of-two said he first knew something was wrong when he noticed a lump in his right testicle and admits he tried to ignore it at first.

He said: “Speaking with other guys who have been through similar experiences I could really relate to what they expressed.”

“Despite the fear there’s this pressure to conform to a certain image and not discuss it and hope it goes away – it really is the absolute worst thing you can do in that situation.”

The lump did not go away. Instead, it grew bigger and eventually, Neil was strongly encouraged by his wife, Lorraine to visit the GP but this was some two months after the lump had first appeared.

“Fear is debilitating and on this particular occasion it might have killed me. Had it not been for the warrior type approach of my wife then who knows what the outcome might have been.”

Neil added: “My right testicle was removed but I also needed radiotherapy because it had spread into my lymph glands. I may well not have needed that treatment if I had got the lump checked sooner.

When the grandad of one noticed lumps appearing some 20 months later, this time in his groin, he contacted his specialist oncology nurse almost immediately.

A blood test confirmed the cancer was present again.

Neil completed a highly intense and challenging course of chemotherapy in 2019 and is now looking forward to May next year when he will receive his closing five year review.

All being well, he will be released from the care of the NHS Oncology Department in Poole.

He said “The NHS and Morrisons partnership is helpful in encouraging people to regularly check their bodies for potential cancer symptoms whilst also promoting thought behind body image attitudes.”

“This experience has really made me reflect and focus upon where my priorities lie and I often, really do consider just how lucky a chap I am.

We can’t buy time but we can create the possibility of extending it and spending more of it with family and close friends. Our lives and our relationships are a real gift and with emotions like love, joy and happiness to be shared then it makes so much sense for us all to pay closer attention to our bodies and the noticeable changes that provide opportunity for survival.

“I now truly realise the importance of being in touch with one’s body, mind and emotional spectrum.

“It’s really important to look in the mirror and find the courage to face the ‘what ifs’, even if they are scary.”

“When changes occur, allow yourself the best possible chance of the optimum outcome and make that first step towards a longer and healthier life by getting yourself an appointment with your GP.”

Dr Paul Johnson, Chief Medical Officer with NHS Dorset said “Getting a diagnosis and sharing your experiences like this can be incredibly stressful, but I would like to thank Neil for doing so as when people share their personal stories, it often encourages more people to get checked out if they have concerns and as Neil’s experience shows – the earlier you act the better. I wish him well with his recovery and his ongoing support.

“I’d also like to thank Morrisons, as initiatives like this are really important to help normalise the message around symptoms and helps to reach people who maybe would not normally actively seek out information on health or visit their GP regularly.”

Neil is currently in the process of setting up a support group for men diagnosed with testicular (or any other) cancer to provide a safe space for them to express and release thoughts of their experiences and emotional awareness.

“Beyond the process of healing there is processing and this necessary journey produces strength in its expression.” he added.