Radio presenter Chris Stark, 38, reveals testicular cancer diagnosis

Chris Stark has urged other men to regularly check themselves (Picture: Dave Hogan/Hogan Media/Shutterst)

Radio presenter Chris Stark has revealed he has undergone chemotherapy treatment after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

The media personality, 38, who shot to fame on BBC Radio One and currently presents the Capital FM Breakfast Show, said it was found during a routine doctor’s appointment a couple of months ago.

Chris said he had surgery ‘pretty quickly’ and was ‘effectively cured’ after it was ‘caught early’ but has taken time off his work commitments to undergo chemotherapy as a preventative measure.

On Instagram, he said he was sharing his diagnosis to encourage other men to check themselves for testicular cancer and to follow up with a doctor over any uncertainty about any possible symptoms.

Chris wrote: ‘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 and encourages someone to check themselves and potentially save a life.’

The radio star signed off his post by thanking his friends, family and co-workers for their support, as well as the medical team who have been caring for him.

Chris has been taking a break from his radio duties to undergo chemotherapy (Picture: Jonathan Hordle/Global/REX/Shutterstock) What are the symptoms of testicular cancer?

Symptoms of testicular cancer include:

a lump or swelling in your testicle your testicle getting bigger an ache or pain in your testicle or scrotum (the skin that covers the testicles) your scrotum feeling heavy, firm or hard

Other symptoms can include:

an ache or pain in your back or lower tummy losing weight without trying a cough difficulty breathing or swallowing a sore or swollen chest

The NHS says it’s important to check your testicles regularly so you know what’s normal for you. This makes it easier to notice any changes in the size, look or feel of your testicles.

He added: ‘I also want to take a moment to send my thoughts and prayers to anyone affected by cancer. Check your balls.’

Chris also said he would be returning to the radio tomorrow.

In the comments section, he received an outpouring of support, including from his co-workers.

Among them was Sian Welby who said: ‘Unreal bravery from you Chris. I’ve never known anyone handle a situation with such class and determination. Can’t wait to have you back with us tomorrow.’

Jordan North also added: ‘We love you so much mate and can’t wait to have you back on the show with us tomorrow. Big love my friend I’m so proud of you.’

Others to have shared well-wishes for Chris include popstar Crag David, fellow presenter Clara Amfo and former X Factor star Fleur East.

Chris said the cancer was found during a routine doctor’s appointment (Picture: Karwai Tang/WireImage)

Craig said: ‘Knowing you’re now healthy & caught it early is a real blessing mate. You sharing this is so powerful.’

Echoing his sentiment, Clara shared: ‘SO glad you’ve caught it quickly, salute for sharing!!!’

Fleur added: ‘Thank you for sharing! Such an important message and happy to hear you caught things early. Wishing you all the best and hope you feel stronger and stronger.’

The presenter’s Instagram post in full reads: ‘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. 

Chris also announced he would be returning to radio (Picture: Dave Hogan/Hogan Media/REX/Shutterstock)

‘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. Check your balls. Chris xx.

‘PS Excited to get back (stronger) to the radio tomo.’

Chris shot to fame after joining BBC Radio One’s Scott Mills show in 2012, leaving the broadcaster a decade later.

Since 2022, he has presented the breakfast show on Capital FM. He co-hosts the show with Sian Welby and Jordan North.

Macmillan cancer support

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.

You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.

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