Brian Sluga

A testicular cancer survivor reflects on the importance of Mental Health Awareness Month, finding healing in nature, gratitude and creative renewal.

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. Join me this month raising awareness among young men ages 15 to 35 of one the handful of cancers that impacts men before adulthood.

I struggle sometimes, wondering, “Why me?” and “Why testicular cancer?” Was God telling me something? Maybe to slow down and let him take control. So, I try my best to let go.

Amid the grief that I have and continue to deal with due to my sister’s death from cancer, I have been blessed with phenomenal support.

I reflect on cancer and faith, embracing the power of one to pursue health, purpose, and positive change in my life and for others.

All I want for Christmas is to talk to and hear from as many readers and writers about their cancer experiences and their lives as I can.

After surviving testicular cancer, I feel like I was given a second chance at life. Although given challenges, I have learned to be resilient and face adversity head-on.

Until you’re faced with something like cancer, some things you thought were important become trivial, and the underappreciated become cherished.

After surviving testicular cancer, I learned to let go of envy, live in the moment, and embrace gratitude by staying true to who I am.

I’m a testicular cancer survivor diagnosed at 20. My story is about finding strength, building routines, and sharing hope for those facing cancer.

I was diagnosed with testicular cancer at 20. I’ve learned to embrace the pauses in life and stand proud as a survivor who won’t be ignored.

Maria, my oncology nurse, inspired lasting change in my life through compassion, wisdom and faith during my cancer surgery and recovery.

After testicular cancer, I’ve learned to guard my mood, seek small joys and embrace healing and renewal with every sunrise this spring.

Experiencing spring's renewal after a cancer diagnosis, I focus on health through checkups, diet and exercise, embracing change and well-being.

Hope helped me navigate my testicular cancer diagnosis at 20, shaping my resilience and guiding my journey as a survivor.

I often reflect on my emotional changes following a testicular cancer diagnosis and how I learned to manage them and grow.

My New Year's resolutions have evolved from seeking external goals to embracing personal growth and appreciating each day.

A reflective Christmas morning run, following a cancer diagnosis, inspires profound gratitude for life and a renewed commitment to living a meaningful life.

For many years, I have trained my mind to have more discipline, especially after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in my 20s.

When a dear friend told me he has lung cancer, I opened up and shared my own perspective and experience as a survivor of testicular cancer.

After my surgery for testicular cancer, my good friend Joe helped me through my goal of training and running a marathon.

I stopped pondering why cancer happened to me and instead focused on achieving my goals and taking life on.

Cancer tried to zap my will to live and taught me to learn about time. After being diagnosed, I realized that I had to make the most of each day.

After testicular cancer hindered my self-image and identity, I decided to create a five-point system to help me achieve a successful future.

After recovering from testicular cancer, I feel as though I've earned a second life where I face my fears head-on.

Looking back on my experience with testicular cancer at a young age, I realize that cancer didn't define me — it helped shape me.

A 45-minute cancer procedure deemed me to be "cancer free," but it did not assuage all my anxieties.