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'Coronation Street' star Jack James Ryan opens up about testicular cancer

Sam Moore
·2-min read

Watch: Jack James Ryan talks to Lorraine about testicular cancer

Coronation Street star Jack James Ryan has said he would love the soap to feature a testicular cancer storyline after battling the disease when he was 19.

The now-25-year-old was appearing on Lorraine to discuss his role as the villainous Jacob in the soap when he talked about his experienced of cancer.

Ryan opened up about how surprised he was to find out he had cancer after thinking it was an 'old man disease'.

FROM ITV STRICT EMBARGO - No Use Before Tuesday 16th February 2021 Coronation Street - Ep 10256 Monday 22nd February 2021 - 2nd Ep Jacob [JACK JAMES RYAN] provides Simon Barlow [ALEX BAIN] with the latest phone and explains itÕs a perk of the job. When Jacob suggests Simon should sample the drugs himself, SimonÕs unsure. Picture contact David.crook@itv.com This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms
Jack James Ryan in Coronation Street. (ITV)

"It was a crazy time but I've come through the other side," the actor explained. "It's been a really positive experience so I want to be able to tell that story."

Read more: Coronation Street bosses didn't realise Rebecca and Jack James Ryan were siblings

The soap star also discussed his treatment and recovery: "I had surgery to get one of my testicles removed, had a replacement put in there and then had a bit of chemo afterwards, but because I caught it so early on I was super lucky with the treatment."

FROM ITV STRICT EMBARGO - No Use Before Wednesday Tuesday 4th January 2022 Coronation Street - Ep 1053637 Friday 14th January 2022 As Summer Spellman [HARRIET BIBBY] and Amy Barlow [ELLE MULVANEY] head out of the hospital after SummerÕs diabetes appointment, Jacob [JACK_JAMES RYAN] approaches with his arm in a sling. Jacob assures them that he no longer has anything to do with the drugs gang. Picture contact - David.crook@itv.com This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms
Jack James Ryan as Jacob. (ITV)

Ryan went on to reveal how he found out he had cancer: "I didn't have any symptoms and then I found the lump and instantly I was like, 'Oh okay this is serious.' Now I'm living my dream - I'm getting to go on the cobbles every day!"

He also said he would love for the soap to tackle a testicular cancer storyline through his character: "Getting to be able to tell that story on Coronation Street with someone like Jacob would be amazing for me."

After being diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2017, Ryan has gone on to make a full recovery.

He has also turned his experiences of the disease into a play he wrote called Me & My Left Ball which helped him understand how being ill and having a testicle replaced made him feel.

Testicular cancer is relatively uncommon but is the most common cancer to affect men between the ages of 15 and 49.

The most common symptoms are a painless swelling or a lump in one of the testicles.

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