Testicular Cancer Blogs & Podcasts

The conversation also dives into one of the most debated topics in testicular cancer today: the future of surveillance. Dr. Heidenreich discusses emerging blood tests that could reshape how recurrence is detected and monitored, offering his perspective. Rather than accepting the latest technology at face value, he explains why some innovations may hold more promise than others and what that could mean for the future of testicular cancer care.

After undergoing an orchiectomy, Nate learned he had 100% embryonal carcinoma, the same aggressive type of testicular cancer that affected Lance Armstrong. As a new father, he suddenly found himself navigating sperm banking, treatment decisions, and the uncertainty that comes with a cancer diagnosis.

Tony was on paternity leave when he developed a persistent ache in his lower abdomen. There was no lump, no testicular pain, and no obvious signs of testicular cancer, just a nagging discomfort that refused to go away.

Jack opens up about navigating cancer largely on his own, with family hundreds of miles away in Wisconsin (visiting after surgery) and friends helping him through recovery in New York. He shares the emotional moment when the reality of being a cancer survivor finally hit him—days after surgery, alone in a friend's apartment, when weeks of fear, uncertainty, and stress came pouring out all at once.

For three weeks leading up to the Indy 500, Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation and Fennec Pharmaceuticals brought the Indy’s Nuts campaign to Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Through partnerships with Alex Singleton, Jack Harvey, INVST, and Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, the campaign sparked conversations about testicular cancer, early detection, hearing loss caused by chemotherapy, and life after cancer while reaching thousands of race fans throughout race month.

Tony discusses using MicroRNA 371, an emerging blood test showing major promise in detecting active germ cell tumors, along with Signatera, a personalized circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) test designed to monitor for residual disease and recurrence. He shares what it was like balancing traditional surveillance methods like CT scans and tumor markers with these newer technologies, and how the uncertainty of recurrence can weigh heavily on survivors mentally and emotionally.

Drawing from her professional experience as an LMFT, Renee explains how cancer affects far more than physical health. The conversation explores the fear, uncertainty, anxiety, and identity shifts that often follow a diagnosis, especially for men who may feel pressure to stay strong or avoid emotional vulnerability. She also shares practical insight into how couples can communicate more effectively during treatment and recovery, even when both partners are struggling in different ways.

In partnership with Fennec Pharmaceuticals, the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation welcomed physicians, audiologists, and other leaders in the testicular cancer space to Indianapolis for the inaugural TCAF Indy 500 Educational Event. The day combined meaningful education around survivorship and hearing health with unique networking opportunities surrounding Fast Friday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Dylan began treatment for a non-seminoma germ cell tumor with EP chemotherapy, but midway through, his condition took a devastating turn. What started as standard cancer treatment escalated into severe complications, including sepsis and gangrene, leaving him hospitalized in critical condition. At one point, his family was called in to say goodbye.

Luke opens up about the physical toll of treatment, including fatigue and side effects, as well as the mental challenges that came with such an unexpected turn. From scan anxiety to continuing therapy during treatment, he shares how he navigated both the data-driven decisions and the emotional weight of cancer.

Beyond the event itself, the episode reinforces the mission: raising awareness and promoting early detection. Listeners are reminded of the importance of monthly testicular self-exams, common symptoms, and how early diagnosis can lead to high cure rates, especially when detected early.

More than anything, this episode is about community and turning awareness into action to provide meaningful support to those affected by testicular cancer.

The second annual Tee Off for Testicular Cancer golf tournament in Norfolk raised nearly $40,000 in support of the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation. The event brought together survivors, families, and the local community to raise awareness, promote early detection, and support those impacted.

During Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, NADS Organic Underwear partnered with Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation, to bring the “Check Your Nads” March to the streets of Austin. The bold six-mile march turned heads and brought survivors, supporters, and advocates together to raise awareness and start conversations.

This episode highlights the importance of recognizing testicular cancer symptoms, advocating for your health, and understanding that survivorship is about more than just treatment—it’s about rebuilding physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Beyond treatment, this episode explores the importance of being treated at high-volume centers, avoiding overtreatment, and understanding the long-term effects of both surgery and chemotherapy. Dr. Daneshmand also discusses the status and future of MicroRNA 371 biomarker testing.

Osvaldo walks through the shock of hearing “you have cancer,” undergoing an orchiectomy, and waking up to learn that the his testicle had been completely removed. He candidly describes the emotional reality of losing a testicle, the confusion around what doctors were removing, and the relief of finally being free from the constant pain after surgery. His story is an important reminder that testicular cancer symptoms can include a lump, swelling, heaviness, and persistent back pain — and that early detection can save your life.

At the 2025 Testicular Cancer Conference, Dr. Lindsay Frazier discussed how international collaboration is accelerating research for testicular cancer and other germ cell tumors through the Malignant Germ Cell Tumor International Consortium (MaGIC).

Dr. Feldman began by reflecting on the history of testicular cancer treatment and the dramatic shift brought about by cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Key takeaways included:

• Before cisplatin, metastatic testicular cancer was often fatal, with most patients not surviving

• The introduction of cisplatin is considered one of the greatest medical advances of the 20th century

• Survival rates for metastatic disease improved from roughly 20% to nearly 80%

• While highly effective, cisplatin is associated with significant short- and long-term side effects, making toxicity reduction an ongoing priority

Whether you’re navigating a testicular cancer diagnosis, supporting someone going through treatment, or simply learning more about testicular cancer symptoms, recurrence, and survivorship, Greg’s story is a powerful reminder that early detection matters—and that strength often shows up in the determination to keep fighting, even when the battle returns.

In this episode of It Takes Balls, Eduardo Celis, a Venezuelan-American, shares his journey through testicular cancer at age 35, a diagnosis that can feel especially unexpected for men who consider themselves healthy and in their prime. Eduardo opens up about noticing changes after a vasectomy, navigating the uncertainty of symptoms, and ultimately hearing the words no one expects.

During the 2026 ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation hosted 55 physicians and researchers at Marianne’s speakeasy in San Francisco for a Meet & Greet Social sponsored by Fennec Pharmaceuticals.

Justin underwent four rounds of VIP chemotherapy (cisplatin, etoposide, and ifosfamide), administered inpatient 24 hours a day for a week at a time. He openly discusses the brutal side effects of chemo, including severe pain, tinnitus from cisplatin, dangerously low platelet counts, and the emotional toll of living in the oncology ward. After chemo reduced the tumor to a dead mass, he endured an 8.5-hour open chest surgery, losing two-thirds of his right lung, part of his heart wall, and major veins that had to be reconstructed.

Dr. Feldman began by reflecting on the history of testicular cancer treatment and the dramatic shift brought about by cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Key takeaways included:

• Before cisplatin, metastatic testicular cancer was often fatal, with most patients not surviving

• The introduction of cisplatin is considered one of the greatest medical advances of the 20th century

• Survival rates for metastatic disease improved from roughly 20% to nearly 80%

• While highly effective, cisplatin is associated with significant short- and long-term side effects, making toxicity reduction an ongoing priority

The discussion explores the differences between BEP, EP, VIP, and TIP chemotherapy regimens, including when and why each is used, how doctors balance cure rates with toxicity, and why lung health, kidney function, age, and patient goals matter when choosing treatment. Dr. Feldman also explains why cisplatin remains superior to carboplatin in advanced germ cell tumors, when surveillance is preferred over treatment in stage 1 disease, and how overtreatment can carry long-term risks.

Brian then speaks on the physical and mental toll of treatment, including the realities of chemotherapy side effects, trauma-related memory gaps, hearing loss, and long-term survivorship challenges. Brian opens up about navigating work, marriage, and mental health during treatment, as well as the shock of discovering a second testicular cancer diagnosis years later — this time during a period of major life upheaval that included separation, a new job, and relocation.

As a Gulf War veteran, Don also discusses potential links between toxic exposure, burn pits, and testicular cancer, and shares critical information about the VA PACT Act, which recognizes testicular cancer as a presumptive condition for eligible veterans. His perspective as both a patient and physician makes this episode an informative and empowering discussion on early detection, survivorship, advocacy, and navigating cancer care with urgency and intention.

Colin also opens up about the emotional side of diagnosis, including what he describes as “coming out of the cancer closet” — deciding who to tell, when to tell them, and how much to share. The episode explores the vulnerability of living publicly with cancer while trying to maintain independence, humor, and control. During treatment, Colin found comfort in unexpected ways, from bringing plushies to chemo to reclaiming his identity through creativity and play.

This episode highlights the urgent need for patient advocacy and global access to testicular cancer education, especially in regions where language barriers, cultural taboos, and lack of survivor communities leave men feeling isolated. Mohammad’s courage in sharing his experience is a powerful reminder that every patient deserves to understand that they are not alone, no matter where they live.

Dr. Dubin also dives deep into the stigma around men’s health - especially when it comes to testicles and hormone concerns. He talks openly about why men suffer in silence, how misinformation spreads faster than facts, and what men should actually do when they find a lump, feel pain, or notice changes in their libido or energy.

Today, Matt uses his experience to educate other men through TikTok, openly discussing testicular cancer symptoms, chemotherapy side effects, fertility preservation, and life after treatment. His message is clear: listen to your body, don’t delay seeking help, and never underestimate the power of community support.