A young man is urging others not to ignore testicular cancer symptoms.
Darren Orr, 33, is encouraging men to seek medical advice without hesitation after being diagnosed with testicular cancer while on holiday last year.
He was abroad with his girlfriend when he first noticed pain but chose to ignore it.
However, after returning home to Greenock, newly engaged, Darren's symptoms worsened and his partner urged him to get checked.
Darren said: "I had been putting it off, thinking it would go away.
"It's a very cliché thing to say, but don't be embarrassed.
"I was at the start, and I probably wouldn't have gone when I did if my girlfriend hadn't pushed me."
The decision to get checked proved pivotal, as Darren was diagnosed with cancer on July 31, 2025.
He underwent surgery the following month, followed by chemotherapy.
Six weeks after surgery, he began an intensive course of treatment that involved several inpatient stays.
Darren said: "It was tough, especially at the beginning when I didn't know what to expect.
"But the support I received really helped me through."
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Darren was treated at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, where he found encouragement not only from medical staff but also from volunteers.
One volunteer, who had gone through the same diagnosis, made a lasting impact.
He said: "On my first day, I really struggled.
"But I got chatting to one of the Beatson Cancer Charity ward volunteers who had been through exactly the same thing.
"Hearing his experience helped me deal with my own."
After completing his treatment, Darren was given the news that he was in remission by the end of the year.
He said: "I found out on December 30, which was a great way to go into the New Year.
"Now I'm feeling brilliant."
To show their gratitude for the support they received, Darren and his fiancée have started fundraising for Beatson Cancer Charity.
They collected donations at their engagement party and plan to continue on their wedding day by encouraging guests to donate instead of giving traditional favours.
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Darren hopes that by sharing his story during Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, he can reach others who might be in a similar situation.
He said: "I didn’t know anyone my age who had gone through this.
"The only time I’d heard about it was when someone famous had it.
"If sharing my story helps even one person go and get checked earlier, then it's worth it."
A spokesperson for Beatson Cancer Charity said: "Darren’s story highlights just how important it is to listen to your body and seek advice if something doesn’t feel right.
"We know it can feel difficult or even embarrassing for some men to come forward, but early detection can make a significant difference to outcomes."
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