'I was in shock because I felt healthy' - Cancer survivor urges men to get check-ups

Being diagnosed with testicular cancer came as a huge shock to Bernard Walsh following a routine check up with his GP for his cholesterol.

The Offaly man, Bernard, told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that he had no symptoms and was feeling fit and healthy when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer around Christmas time in 2008.

Bernard, who was aged just 40-years-old, had gone to the GP to check his cholesterol but his blood results instead revealed that he had an unusually high white cell count which indicated an infection.

After repeated blood tests, his GP eventually referred him for a CT scan which showed that he had a tumour on his kidney.

"I was in shock because I felt healthy. I was in great form," Bernard explained.

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However, further investigations were needed as the doctors explained that usually with the kidneys the issue is coming from somewhere else. After many tests, it was discovered that Bernard had testicular cancer.

By January, Bernard started chemotherapy which went on for a year. Then, he faced major surgery which lasted over 10 hours to remove the remainder of the tumours. Recovery was a long and challenging journey for the Offaly man, but now life looks brighter for the 58-year-old.

Bernard retired from Offaly County Council last January and has travelled across the world in the years post cancer.

"My perspective on life has changed big time. Before this it was just going to work or the gym everyday. I always wanted to travel and ever since then I've travelled half the world. I'm now blessed with health and I'm blessed that I can go wherever I want to go.

"I was blessed that I could do it with work and everything. I'm a big Elvis Presley fan so I went to Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. I know from speaking with other people, they've all said similar in that they have a whole new perspective on life for the better."

Bernard now drives a school bus, but when he can, he also volunteers as a driver for the Irish Cancer Society to bring cancer patients to their chemotherapy. He's involved with Relay For Life and has organised fundraisers such as Shave or Dye to raise money for cancer services.

Contemplating his journey with cancer, Bernard said he has learned a lot.

"I learned so much from that experience that I can confidently talk to my friends about it, symptoms and everything else. The main thing I tell anybody is if your body doesn't feel good, if it feels like something's not right, go to your doctor."

Bernard emphasised that he was a very fit man who loved the gym and weight training when he got the diagnosis of cancer. However, it's so important for people, especially men who may be shy about going to the doctor, to get checked out.

"Go and get checked out. And just a little check up and a simple blood test for your prostate will tell a lot. A lot of men now are not as embarrassed when it comes to things like this as they were years ago. They're more up to going and getting checked out."