1Life supporting male cancer survivors this #Movember
Cameron Green, the 42-year-old owner of a digital marketing firm, says that he wasn’t aware that men should examine their testicles regularly, but one day he just knew he needed to see a doctor.
“I just had a feeling inside me that I needed to see a doctor. I knew something wasn’t right, and although we tend not to listen to our bodies in that way, I listened to my inner voice.”
The urologist revealed a pea sized tumour in one testicle, and Cameron was scheduled for theatre the same day. A year after his testicle was removed, a test revealed that the cancer had spread, so he had to go through chemotherapy.
Cameron was newly married, and hadn’t yet had children, so he had to think about fertility issues as well. Chemotherapy can stop sperm production, so he stored his sperm at a fertility clinic in Johannesburg.
Since he completed his round of chemo, there’s been no looking back – he’s had 11 healthy years and was able to father two sons without any medical intervention. He says that his wife has been his greatest strength, but that he also interacts with a network of survivors – and he believes that it’s important to share experiences.
“Stigma serves no purpose other than to prolong the time frame of access to care.”
“Every young man should check themselves, care for their bodies and look after themselves so they can look after those around them. We need to let go of the stigma.
"Fathers need to have the freedom to talk to their sons about why to check and how to check. The stigma serves no purpose other than to prolong the time frame of access to care with diminished possibility of survival.”
He says that cancer has stopped him from sweating the small stuff. “There’s no more nonsense. No time to get upset about the small things. I am just thankful to be around for the next few years. There are bigger things that count – family and a wholesome environment.”