A Personal Journey Through Testicular Cancer: Two Brothers' Stories

Every year, approximately 170 men in New Zealand are diagnosed with testicular cancer, and while it's most commonly found in young men between the ages of 15 and 44, the disease is highly treatable, especially when caught early. For Harrison and Fletcher Stott, two brothers from New Zealand, this reality became a deeply personal experience after both were diagnosed with the condition.

Harrison Stott: The Shock of a Diagnosis

Harrison Stott was 28 when he first discovered something unusual during a marathon training session in Oslo. He ignored the discomfort until the day of the event, but after returning to London, he finally sought medical attention. A routine ultrasound revealed not only a cyst on his left testicle but also four tumours. The diagnosis of testicular cancer came as a complete shock to Harrison. He recalls thinking, “That’s for old people, not for young, fast, exciting people living in London.”

Following the removal of his testicle, Harrison went through a period of intense anxiety as he awaited the results of a CAT scan. Eventually, he received the news that the cancer hadn’t spread, and he was placed on a monitoring program. After two years of regular blood tests and scans, he was finally discharged from monitoring in November of last year. The relief was overwhelming, and Harrison now runs a business in Auckland and has two children. He describes his experience as a journey of resilience and gratitude.

Fletcher Stott: Learning from His Brother’s Experience

While Harrison was recovering, his younger brother Fletcher was already on high alert. In 2023, while on holiday in Indonesia, Fletcher noticed pain in his left testicle. Unlike typical testicular cancer symptoms, which often present as painless lumps, Fletcher’s was painful. Despite the reassurances of others, he knew the risks and sought immediate medical attention.

An ultrasound confirmed a tumour, and Fletcher was quickly referred to a urologist. He decided to return to Australia for treatment, where he had his testicle removed. Unlike Harrison, Fletcher’s cancer was more aggressive, and he underwent chemotherapy. He recalls the experience as both brutal and eye-opening, describing the chemotherapy ward as a place where he met people fighting for their lives, which made him appreciate his own situation.

Fletcher now sees his experience as a blessing, one that has given him a new perspective on life. At 29, he is now two years post-chemotherapy and remains hopeful that the cancer will not return.

Raising Awareness and Support

The Stott brothers' stories are not just personal; they are also a call to action for others to be vigilant about their health. Events like the Cold Kahuna, organized by Jolly Good Chaps, aim to raise funds and awareness for Testicular Cancer New Zealand. The annual charity ride brings together riders from across New Zealand to support the cause, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.

Their journeys underscore the importance of early detection, the power of family support, and the resilience of the human spirit. As Harrison and Fletcher continue to lead healthy and fulfilling lives, their stories serve as a reminder that while testicular cancer can be a life-changing experience, it is not a death sentence.