‘Wasn’t expecting that’ say This Morning viewers as Dr Zoe Williams carries out testicular cancer check live on show
THIS Morning viewers were left stunned as a man stripped off live on the show today - but it was all for a good cause.
The Sun's resident specialist and NHS GP Dr Zoe Williams carried out a testicular cancer check in a bid to raise awareness of the disease.
Brave guest Alex volunteered to strip for the intimate demonstration, admitting he rarely checks himself despite the importance of regular self-examinations.
Wearing gloves, Dr Zoe performed the check while encouraging men to get comfortable with the process.
“If you’re worried about it, just have a go,” she said.
“It’s a skill, and the more you practice, the more you get used to it.”
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She then joked with host Ben Shephard, saying: “Don’t men have their hands in their pants a lot of the time anyway?”
Ben responded: “You’re right. When you’re sitting around… and women check their breasts regularly, so men should too.”
Joining the discussion was broadcaster Chris Stark, who recently revealed his own testicular cancer diagnosis.
“I’m more than happy to put my one ball on the line if the conversation can continue,” he said, stressing the importance of early detection.
The segment sparked a strong reaction online, with many praising This Morning for tackling the issue.
One viewer wrote: “Wasn’t ready for that. However, it does raise awareness.”
Another added: “I wasn’t expecting to turn on the TV and immediately be faced with a pair of balls.”
Some called for more coverage of men’s health: “Thanks for doing a male health issue for once. Took an ITV/Global celebrity to be impacted before you did it though.”
Others praised the way the show handled the sensitive topic: “To be fair, the segment on testicular cancer and showing how to check was actually really good. Credit where it’s due.”
“What a great, real item about testicular cancer. Not jokey, not too serious, not embarrassing – just real.”
One viewer commended Alex’s bravery: “Brave bloke getting his bits out on TV. You should definitely check yourself – believe me, the earlier it’s caught, the better.”
Early warning signs of testicular cancer
The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a lump or swelling in your testicle.
But the full list of early red flags includes:
- A lump or swelling in part of one testicle (it can be as small as a pea but may be much larger)
- A testicle that gets bigger
- A heavy scrotum (it may also feel firmer or harder)
- Discomfort or a sharp pain in your testicle or scrotum
Some even noted that the segment was overdue, writing: “Good of This Morning to actually show how to do a check considering they mentioned this story earlier in the week and didn’t do it then.”
The discussion has sparked wider conversation about men’s health and the importance of regular checks.
Almost 2,500 new cases of testicular cancer are recorded every year in the UK.
There are around 65 deaths, according to Cancer Research UK.
As with all types of cancer, the earlier it's caught, the better.
The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a lump or swelling in your testicle.
STAR'S DIAGNOSIS
Chris, who used to co-host with Scott Mills on BBC Radio 1 before joining Capital Breakfast, said on Instagram this week: "Around a couple of months ago, after a routine trip to my local doctor's, I found out I have testicular cancer.
"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.
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"Caught early, this cancer is so so treatable. It is most common in men aged 18 to 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."
