A man says he managed to spot testicular cancer at an early stage thanks to watching a video on YouTube. Robert Woolf searched YouTube for a video after finding a small lump, and came across advice he says saved his life.
Robert, 47, said: "My GP did a non-tactile examination and said he didn’t think there was anything to worry about. I knew something wasn’t right, so I asked for a scan after watching a testicular cancer survivor on YouTube say you should never be afraid to ask for a second opinion."
Robert said his GP was more than happy to book him in when he asked for another appointment, reports MyLondon.
A hospital scan found a small growth and within days Robert had his right testicle removed as a precautionary measure. Testicular cancer is a relatively rare condition affecting around 2,300 men a year but is easy to treat if caught early enough, according to the NHS.
Robert said: “If something doesn’t feel right then trust your instincts because the earlier you catch cancer, the better the outcome. The worst thing you can do is ignore it and hope it goes away. The doctors were great. They see this sort of thing all the time so there is no need to feel embarrassed or awkward. Your health is the most important thing you have.”
A spokesperson for the local NHS Trust described how the internet 'may have encouraged a generation of armchair doctors but has also helped raise awareness of medical conditions and people’s right to question medical professionals'.
