Shaun Ryder says cancer scare led him to confront his mortality: 'I now think I’m not invincible'

Shaun Ryder of the Happy Mondays performs live on stage during the second day of Penn Fest at The Big Park on July 20, 2019 in Penn Street, Buckinghamshire. (Photo by Jim Dyson/Getty Images)
Shaun Ryder of the Happy Mondays performs live on stage during the second day of Penn Fest at The Big Park on July 20, 2019 in Penn Street, Buckinghamshire. (Photo by Jim Dyson/Getty Images)

Shaun Ryder has shared that a non-malignant lump on his testicles has led him to confront his own mortality.

The Happy Mondays singer revealed that a growth was discovered before lockdown and while it is not cancerous, it is causing him pain.

He told The Sun: “This non-malignant growth in my testicle is pressing on a nerve. It’s like having really bad toothache in your b***s.

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“I can have the growth chucked out but I should’ve gone before lockdown started.”

The father-of-six said it led him to reflect on his own mortality after he believed himself to be "invincible".

Shaun Ryder has been open about his past drink and drug abuse. (Photo by Brian Rasic/Getty Images)
Shaun Ryder has been open about his past drink and drug abuse. (Photo by Brian Rasic/Getty Images)

“I was one of those dudes who never thought I could die, no matter what. I now think I’m not invincible," the 57-year-old said.

He added the thought of his two younger children, aged 11 and 12, led him to "panic" about dying as he wanted to be around for them.

Ryder has candidly opened up about his prolific past drug abuse which saw him take substances including heroin and crack cocaine.

He's previously credited his second wife Joanne and his children as the reason behind the decision to quit the hazardous lifestyle.

Shaun Ryder, pictured in 2010, has credited his wife and children with helping him to get sober. (PA)
Shaun Ryder, pictured in 2010, has credited his wife and children with helping him to get sober. (PA)

It comes as Ryder is currently part of the Celebrity Gogglebox cast where he can be seen watching television along with old bandmate Bez on Friday nights.

In the wake of biopics of musicians such as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody and Elton John in Rocketman, last year it was revealed Ryder would be getting one of his own.

The film, based off of his autobiography Twisting My Melon, is set to see Skins actor Jack O'Connell star as Ryder.