David's Story: Testicular Cancer

In 2020, I first spoke to my GP about pain and a lump. At the time, I was reassured and referred along what seemed like the usual pathway.

Like many people, I trusted the process and carried on with life. I had no idea that this would be the beginning of a long and frightening journey that would eventually lead to a diagnosis of stage 3C testicular cancer.

Looking back now, I can see there were warning signs. But when you’re living your normal lifeworking, supporting your family, coaching kids’ rugby, staying active—you don’t expect cancer to be the explanation.

For more than two years, symptoms came and went. I was assessed, referred, and reassured at different points. Eventually, in early 2023, everything changed very quickly.

After developing severe pain in my back and stomach, I went to A&E. Scans showed a mass. At first, it was thought to be something else. Then there was talk of lymphoma. Then a haematoma. The uncertainty was incredibly difficult—not knowing what was happening inside my own body.

Eventually, further investigation revealed the truth: the primary cancer was testicular, and by then it had spread.

Soon after that, things became critical.

My condition deteriorated rapidly. I developed sepsis. I needed emergency surgery where 1.2 metres of bowel had to be removed. I spent 16 days in intensive care. It was one of the most frightening periods of my life—not just for me, but for my family as well.

When I finally recovered enough to begin chemotherapy, there were further delays due to complications with pericarditis. Eventually, treatment started in May 2023.

Chemotherapy was tough. There’s no easy way to describe it. Physically draining. Mentally exhausting. Emotionally overwhelming. But it also saved my life.

By September 2023, I had completed treatment.

Then came the words every cancer patient hopes to hear:

No active cancer.

Later, in January 2024, I underwent surgery to remove the primary source. Another milestone in closing this chapter of my journey.

Today, I’m sharing my story for a simple reason.

If even one person reads this and decides to get a symptom checked earlier…


If one person pushes for a second opinion…


If one person trusts their instincts about their own body…

Then telling this story will have been worth it. Testicular cancer is highly treatable, especially when caught early. But awareness matters.

Listening matters. Acting early matters. Cancer changed my life—but it didn’t define it.

I’m still here. And that means everything.  

by David Price.

Learn more about the symptoms of testicular cancer here.