Will Reeve’s Diagnosis Raises Awareness for Testicular Cancer
Key Takeaways:
- Will Reeve is sharing his testicular cancer journey to encourage young men to pay attention to changes in their bodies and seek medical care without delay
- The most common symptom is a painless testicular lump, and experts say early evaluation is critical, even if there is no pain
- Testicular cancer is one of the most curable cancers, with survival rates nearing 99% when diagnosed at an early stage
ABC News correspondent Will Reeve’s recent testicular cancer diagnosis is putting a spotlight on a disease that most often affects younger men.
Reeve, 34, said he was diagnosed in April after noticing a lump on his left testicle. He underwent surgery and later two cycles of chemotherapy after cancer was found in several lymph nodes. Reeve is now cancer-free.
He is sharing his experience to encourage other men to pay attention to changes in their body and not be afraid to seek care.
“I want folks to know that this is a thing that can happen. It’s shocking. It’s weird,” Reeve shared in an interview on Good Morning America. “It’s slightly awkward to talk about just because of what we’re really discussing here, but you end up OK, almost always.”
Testicular cancer is rare, but it is the most common solid tumor cancer among men ages 20 to 40. The average diagnosis age is 33.
“Men in the at-risk group often wrongly believe that cancer is a disease in older men,” said Logan Zemp, MD, a urologic oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center.
Know the Signs
The most common sign of testicular cancer is a painless, firm lump in the testicle. Zemp says this is how more than 90% are first detected. Up to 10% of men experience pain along with a rapidly growing mass.
Whether a lump is painful or not, it should be checked.
“A lump in the testicle should be evaluated by a urologist and treated as cancer until proven otherwise,” Zemp said.
Logan Zemp, MD
The diagnostic process usually involves a physical examination, scrotal ultrasound and blood work to check for tumor markers. Additional imaging or surgery may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage.
Embarrassment can sometimes keep men from making that first appointment. Delaying care can have consequences. Waiting to get checked out can lead to larger tumors, higher tumor marker levels and more advanced stages of cancer.
“There is no shame or embarrassment in seeking care early,” Zemp said.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Testicular cancer can affect men of any age, but it is most diagnosed in younger men.
Risk is higher among white men and those with certain risk factors, including a history of undescended testicle or a family history of testicular cancer.
“One of the most commonly identified barriers to early presentation is limited awareness of testicular cancer and what to do if a lump is found,” Zemp said.
Treatment and Survival
Testicular cancer is among the most curable solid tumor cancers.
Treatment usually begins with surgery to remove the affected testicle. Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, patients may then be monitored closely or receive additional treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
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95%
The overall five-year survival rate for testicular cancer
The overall five-year survival rate is about 95%. When the cancer is caught early and remains localized, cure rates are near 99%.
For Zemp, the takeaway is simple. Don’t wait to get checked out.
“Whether or not it is painful, a testicular lump should be investigated as soon as possible,” he said.
Medically reviewed by Logan Zemp, MD, Genitourinary Oncology Program
