Touring Car Masters racer Ryan Hansford is recovering in hospital following surgery for testicular cancer.
The popular Holden Torana driver took to Facebook to share his story, encouraging others to get checked out following his own discovery that resulted in his right testicle being removed.
“About a month ago now I felt a small patch of hardness to one side of it, there was no lump and it wasn’t sore at all,” Hansford wrote.
“It took me around 3 weeks to get to the doctor as I didn’t think much of it at the time.
“I then got sent for an ultrasound and they detected a lump inside the testis.
“At this stage the doctors are 95% sure it’s a form of cancer called seminoma and has a good prognosis for a full recovery when discovered early.”
According to the Cancer Council, testicular cancer most commonly effects younger men, typically under the age of 40, with seminoma the most common type.
The most common symptom is a painless swelling or lump in a testicle, however it may cause no symptoms.
Other, less common symptoms include heaviness in the scrotum, a swelling or lump in the testicle, change in the size or shape of the testicle, feeling of unevenness, pain or ache in the lower abdomen, the testicle or scrotum, back pain, and enlargement or tenderness of the breast tissue (due to hormones created by cancer cells).
After his own discovery, Hansford now encourages all men to get checked out if they suspect something is awry.
“I spoke with my surgeon this morning and she said the best thing we can all do to detect cancer is a thorough self examination monthly,” he shared.
“Feel ourselves up on the first day of the month!”
“Both for women (breasts) and men (balls) early detection is the best way to beat it.
“I feel I waited a bit long too get to my doctor after discovering it. So if any of you have your doubts get it checked out.
“I’m considering myself lucky that I got onto it so early.
“I can’t stress enough the importance of going to get checked out when you notice anything different,” he added.
“I could of easily waited to get checked out as it really wasn’t a lump just a very small hard patch which was actually a three centimetre tumour internally.”
While Hansford’s return is yet been confirmed, Touring Car Masters is next in action at Queensland Raceway on July 26-28.
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