I BELIEVE I WAS MEANT TO SURVIVE
TESTICULAR CANCER TO HELP OTHERS
welcome
“As a professional footballer, I had it all: the fame that earning 51 caps for Wales brought me and the enviable lifestyle that scoring over 100 goals in the green and white of Celtic afforded me. I also had the warning signs of testicular cancer – and I ignored them.”
“I want people to know that everything I went through, everything I put my loved ones through, could have been avoided had I known more about the disease. Particularly, the importance of catching it early.
“It’s why I set up the John Hartson Foundation, why I’ve given talks on the subject, why I’ve shared my experience on radio and TV, released a DVD, even written a book ‘Please don’t go’. I’m trying to do everything I possibly can to raise awareness of testicular cancer.
“I’m also working hard to raise money to support others affected by cancer whether it’s a peaceful place to go for treatment or help with practical difficulties that cancer can bring. Because I know first hand the immeasurable difference that support can make.
“So please, grab life by the balls – literally, in terms of checking yourself regularly and getting anything unusual checked out by your GP, but also by joining in the Foundation’s fundraising efforts to help others living with cancer.”
about our foundation
The aim then, as it remains today, was to use John’s profile as a former top-flight professional footballer to increase awareness of the disease and to help raise money to support others affected by cancer. Men. Women. Children. Families.
With its roots in John’s native Wales but a reach that spans the length and breadth of the UK, the Foundation is now managed by a board of trustees including John’s wife Sarah, while John himself is busy doing everything he can to draw attention to the charity’s work.
It’s his way of giving something back, a personal thank you to the medical staff that worked so tirelessly to save his life. For the many family, friends and fundraisers who support the Foundation, it’s an opportunity to join John in creating a positive legacy from his battle with testicular cancer and help prevent others from needlessly going through what he did.
Our mission is to:
- Raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer, thereby encouraging men to seek medical attention leading to vital early detection and diagnosis
- Preserve and protect the health of patients suffering from testicular cancer by providing and assisting in the provision of facilities and support services not normally provided by statutory authorities
- Relieve the distress of cancer sufferers and their families by assisting in the provision of counselling and support services
About us
Testicular cancer may be one of the less common types of the disease accounting for just one percent of all male cancers, yet it’s the single most common type to affect younger men between the ages of 15 and 45.
What’s more, according to NHS statistics, it’s on the rise with an estimated 2,000 new cases every year. That’s more than double the number being diagnosed just 20 years ago.
Fortunately, testicular cancer is also one of the most treatable male cancers with a success rate as high as 96 per cent if caught early enough. In more advanced cases, where the cancer has gone undiagnosed and spread outside the testicles, this drops to around 80 per cent which, while still promising, highlights just how important it is to check yourself regularly so that you can spot anything out of the ordinary sooner rather than later and speak to your GP.
2,000
New cases
Every Year
Over 45?
Although most common amongst younger men, testicular cancer can still occur in older age groups, so checking yourself regularly for lumps and bumps and being aware of the other symptoms is vital whatever your age.