It’s hard to say the exact date when a process begins, but I guess this is as good a day as any other. Today is as close as it comes to a five-year anniversary of when I found out that I had testicular cancer, which had metastasized to my lymph nodes before we caught it. Those interested can find the story, in its essentials, here.
So anyway, this isn’t about me asking for attention or love or nothing like that. This is a PSA, my heartfelt plea that you do that self-exam thing that you’re supposed to. It’s insanely easy: gentlemen, when you are in the shower, just spend a little bit of time feeling your testicles, rolling them between your finger and thumb – gently, of course, they’re not golf balls. It’s not hard to tell if something is there; indeed, it is heart-stoppingly obvious. You’ve already got your hand just a couple of inches up from there – don’t lie, I’m a man too, I know how it goes in a hot shower – and what’s the ten seconds out of your busy life?
And ladies, do the same. I mean, not the “same”, but you know… I don’t have breasts, so I’ll have to flip this one over to the American Cancer Society. Anyway, same deal: it’s a minute that could save your life. So do it.
Remember, folks, you’re never too young. I was 23. It still gives me pause to think about how easy it would have been to miss 24. Forgive me for being morbid, but this is important stuff.