On a potentially life-changing evening in October last year, Yoren Chetty, a certified financial planner from Johannesburg, discovered an unusual change in his body.
Chetty was just starting a new venture in Shanghai, China, at the time, which was also around the same time the news of the coronavirus started making headlines.
He felt pain and swelling and discovered a lump in his testicles; the discovery called for an immediate visit to the doctor. The changes were confirmed by the subsequent scan which revealed a tumour – it was testicular cancer.
He was scheduled to come to South Africa a week before China instated its lockdown and he was lucky enough to get on a flight to return home to undergo surgery in Johannesburg in February to remove the tumour.
However, a further scan revealed there were enlarged lymph nodes in his kidney area too: chemotherapy was recommended.
Fast forward to today, it would be hard to believe that Chetty, who turns 40 this month, has beaten the cancer.
“Cancer can be beaten. Early detection saved my life and it can save so many more men’s lives,” he said.
“I acted on a symptom; men should listen more to their bodies and if anything feels unusual, get it checked out.”
One surgery and three rounds of chemotherapy later, Chetty participated in the virtual New York City Marathon on November 1. He ran the 42.2km distance in the streets of Johannesburg on behalf of Movember (www.za.movember.com), the leading global men’s health charity which tackles prostate and testicular cancer, as well as mental health and suicide prevention.
Running 4km loops 10.5 times to complete the marathon, Chetty’s run launched the Movember campaign, which began and will continue throughout November.
As a Mo Bro (Movember supporter) for the campaign, Chetty aimed to raise approximately R60 000 through the run, with the proceeds of which would go towards funding survivorship and research programmes for prostate and testicular cancer, as well as mental health programmes.
Movember looks at mental health through a male lens, focusing on prevention, early intervention and health promotion, working towards men taking action to be mentally well, while being supported by those around them.
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