Capital FM Breakfast star Chris Stark has returned to his radio job after revealing that he has been diagnosed with testicular cancer. The broadcaster, 38, shared the devastating news on social media last night. Chris, who is best known for fronting the early morning show and his time on BBC Radio 1, shared the news on Instagram.
Reuniting with his co-hosts, Sian Welby and Jordan North, Chris said that he was so happy to be back to work and gushed that he had missed being around the positivity of his co-presenters.
Addressing his cancer diagnosis, Chris told Capital FM Breakfast listeners that he had been dealing with shock of his cancer diagnosis for over two months, and has decided to under chemotherapy as preventative measures. Chris also said that has undergone surgery to have one of his testciles removed following his diagnosis.
Upon his return to his seat in Capital this morning, Chris said: “I guess, look, I need to catch people up. I put something on Instagram last night. I’ve not really had a chance to talk about this yet. I’ve been really looking forward to getting back to the radio and seeing you guys. I love doing the radio, it’s my favourite thing to do in the world, so it’s really good to be back firstly, back with you guys doing what we do.
“But yeah, I do have a bit of news to share. I whacked it up on Instagram last night and I’m staggered by the response to that – completely overwhelmed. But yeah look, for the past few months I’ve been dealing with a couple of things personally and the guys here know about it and have been so so so supportive, so firstly I just want to say thank you to you guys.
“About two months ago now I got diagnosed with testicular cancer, and this is a really heavy thing and we’re on the radio and I’m aware of that. We’re on the radio to make you feel better about your lives and we’re part of your routine but if you could humour me for a couple of minutes so we can talk about this. I got diagnosed with that so there has been lots of doctors appointments and I had some surgery at one point. I came back from that surgery maybe a little earlier than I should have.”
Praising Chris’ resilience, Sian responded “This is what I have been telling everyone, you’re such a trooper and I have never known anyone like it. You genuinely don’t make a fuss about anything and this is what has been incredible Chris, you were going though all of that and nobody would have known.”
Chris then told listeners that he has decided to undergo chemotherapy as preventative measures. The radio host continued: “Yeah, so last week, I made a decision to have chemotherapy as well, and the idea of that was to increase the chances of it… not coming back. So it’s preventative rather than curing anything.
“So yeah, that’s where I have been sort of for the past ten days or so. It’s been rubbish and horrible but a lot of people go through this and I’m very aware of that. And so, I’ve made a decision that I want to talk about it because I think there’s a bit of a stigma around this thing and it’s quite a hard thing to talk about given the area that it’s in.
“But testicular cancer is so treatable and it’s really common in men aged 18 to 49, this blew my mind when I found out about so I think it’s really important to talk about it. And if it means that me being honest about what I have gone through and sharing my experience – I’m happy to do it if it means that that conversation is a bit easier for other blokes.
“Maybe it will encourage some people to go and check themselves, because I didn’t do that properly and I feel like an idiot. I feel like I put my family at risk, I feel like I put a lot of personal things at risk and I really regret that, it really annoys me. I just want to encourage people to go check themselves and if that potentially leads to something good from this situation then I’m really happy to put my one ball on the line for that.”
Sian then gushed: “Honestly Chris, the way you have handled this whole thing with bravery and humour has been so admirable and I couldn’t respect you anymore.” Jordan then added: “We have all got tears in our eyes here, we absolutely love you to bits. I cannot tell you how many messages have come in from listeners – I don’t know if you should read them all because it will just set you off.”
“I’m back stronger and better,” Chris responded. Announcing his cancer diagnosis with fans last night, Chris explained he discovered the diagnosis following a routine trip to his GP. His full message to his followers read: “Around a couple of months ago, after a routine trip to my local doctors, I found out I have Testicular Cancer. I had surgery pretty quickly and have been off the radio/podcasts the last couple of weeks having chemotherapy to best prevent anything from coming back.
“The reason I want to share this is that I feel like an idiot that I didn’t spot this sooner. And although I’m effectively cured and it was caught early, my hope is any bloke reading this will perhaps think to check themselves today. Or go to a doctor if not sure about any possible symptoms.”
He went on: “Caught early, this cancer is so so treatable. It is most common in men aged 18 – 49. I also think it’s a tricky subject matter to talk about, but I’m willing to put my now one ball on the line here if it helps make that conversation less tricky for guys, encourages someone to check themselves and potentially saves a life.
“Thank you to my incredible family, who stood by me and encouraged me to share what’s happened. I also want to thank my brilliant friends and work colleagues for supporting me and my family.
“And of course, a huge thank you to the incredible doctors, nurses, and hospital staff I’ve encountered, especially concerning cancer care. I also want to take a moment to send my thoughts and prayers to anyone affected by cancer.” Chris ended by saying: “Check your balls. Chris xx PS Excited to get back (stronger) to the radio tomo.”
According to the NHS, symptoms of testicular cancer are often a lump or swelling in the testicle. The organisation states other symptoms include the testicles becoming bigger, an ache or pain in the testicle or scrotum or the scrotum feeling heavy, firm or hard.
They also include an ache or pain in the back or lower tummy, weight loss without trying, a cough, difficulty swallowing or a sore and swollen chest. According to the organisation, treatment for the condition depends on the size and type of the cancer and whether or not it has spread, as well as the general health of the individual.
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.
Testicular Cancer UK also offers a support group if you or anybody you know has been affected by this story.
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