Comedian Michael Shafar initially didn't consult his doctor after noticing something different with his testicles, and it could've cost him his life.
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young Australian men. More than 16,500 Australian men are estimated to be living with or beyond a testicular cancer diagnosis.
A frequent performer on the Melbourne comedy circuit and writer for Network Ten's The Project, Michael admits that before cancer, he was an everyday guy who felt invincible.
"My girlfriend was the one that made me see a doctor... I kinda just kept putting it off."
At the time of his diagnosis, Michael was 26-years-old and had never had a serious health concern before. After the diagnosis, Michael underwent five rounds of surgeries and 24 weeks of chemo. Despite the arduous road to recovery, he says it was the most difficult telling his family that he had testicular cancer.
"Shock. Devastation. They're shattered. That's the hardest part of it."
Luckily, Michael went to the doctor early enough and as a result is now cancer-free.
If you ever notice something different with your testicles, Michael urges you to "Get it checked early. The earlier you check it, the easier everything is."
Watch Michael's story below:
It’s important to get to know your nuts so you can take action if anything changes. Find out how here.