YouTube helped save my life
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.
Robert Woolf noticed a small lump in one of his testicles and turned to YouTube for advice while waiting for a GP appointment. He heard a piece of advice that - later acted upon - and may have 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 asked for a scan after watching a testicular cancer survivor on YouTube say you should never be afraid to ask for a second opinion. The GP was happy to book me in when I asked.”
A subsequent hospital scan revealed a small growth and several weeks later 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.
Robert, who lives in Harrow, 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.”
You can find out more about the symptoms and treatment of testicular cancer on the NHS website.