Don’t be shy about opening up about your concerns

Testicular cancer is one of the less common illnesses and tends to affect men between the ages of 15 and 49. Megan Golder, 23, from Guildford, Surrey, found out her brother, Adam, 25, had it by accident.

“When I came across a doctor’s note addressed to my big brother, I couldn’t shake my worry and confronted him,” said Megan.

In the letter, Adam, then 23, had been asked to return to the doctor’s surgery to discuss his test results.

“He told me he had testicular cancer. I held back tears as he explained it to me – I didn’t want him to think I doubted the future,” said Megan.

Storage company employee Adam had gone to see his GP after noticing his right testicle was swollen.

Not wanting to create “needless stress” for his sister and mum Kathy after losing his father Rowan to a heart attack, he kept his concerns to himself.

“I’m a bloody stubborn man who tries to take everything on single-handedly – even when I’m surrounded by people who want to help,” Adam admitted.

Megan and Kathy supported Adam through surgery to remove his testicle, gruelling rounds of chemotherapy and the devastating news his disease had spread to his lungs.

Fortunately, Adam’s treatment worked. Three years on from his diagnosis, he is cancer-free.

But his sister has an important message for other men who are struggling to share their health fears.

“Do so – no matter how impossible it may seem,”

Megan said.

Adam added: “Go and see your doctor!” ■■Adam and Megan are supporting Macmillan Cancer Support and the building and construction industry’s campaign to help men talk about cancer and get support. Visit macmillan.org.uk/ saytheword