CAPITAL Breakfast host Chris Stark has revealed he's secretly been battling testicular cancer.
Taking to Instagram this afternoon, the popular DJ, 38, told fans he's been having chemotherapy.
He wrote: "Around a couple of months ago, after a routine trip to my local doctors, I found out I have Testicular Cancer.
"I had surgery pretty quickly and have been off the radio/ podcasts the last couple of weeks having chemotherapy to best prevent anything from coming back."
Former Radio 1 host Chris announced he'll be back on air tomorrow and revealed why he wanted to make his diagnosis public.
He said: "The reason I want to share this is that I feel like an idiot that I didn't spot this sooner. And although I'm effectively cured and it was caught early, my hope is any bloke reading this will perhaps think to check themselves today. Or go to a doctor if not sure about any possible symptoms.
"Caught early, this cancer is so so treatable. It is most common in men aged 18-49.
"I also think it's a tricky subject matter to talk about, but I'm willing to put my now one ball on the line here if it helps make that conversation less tricky for guys, encourages someone to check themselves and potentially saves a life."
Chris, who hosts the Capital Breakfast Show with Sian Welby and Jordan North, was inundated with supportive messages from colleagues, friends and fans.
Dan Walker commented: "Stay strong big man."
Giovanna Fletcher said: "Huge love to you Chris!!!! Xxx."
Clara Amfo posted: "SO glad you're caught it quickly, salute for sharing!!!"
Radio 1's Jack Saunders said: "Glad you're on the mend mate and well done for spreading the word."
Gabby Logan told him: "So glad your outcome is positive and well done for sharing the message."
Craig David typed: "Knowing you're now healthy & caught it early is a real blessing mate. You sharing this is so powerful."
Dad-of-two Chris is married to wife Ria Holland and they have a young daughter and son.
He become a fixture on national radio after joining the Scott Mills show on Radio 1 back in 2012.
Symptoms of testicular cancer
The most common sign is a lump or swelling on one of your testicles, which is normally about the size of a pea.
Not all testicular lumps are cancerous, while only four per cent of scrotal lumps are, but you should still always get your GP to take a look.
Here are the signs to look out for:
- A lump or swelling in the testicle
- A heavy scrotum
- A dull ache or sharp pain in the testicles and scrotum
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- A difference in the texture or increase in firmness of the testicle
- A difference between one testicle and the other
To know if you have any signs of changes in your testicles, it's important to know what feels normal.
It's a good idea to have a hot shower before checking them, then gently roll your testicle between your thumb and finger.
Then repeat for the other testicle.
Repeat this every week so you get a feel for their shape and siz
Before becoming a permanent member of the team, Chris appeared on the show as Scott's pal.
The popular afternoon programme featured talks and hilarious features such as Real or No Real, Innuendo Bingo and 24 Years at the Tap End.
During his last show with Scott in August 2022, Chris broke down live on air as he put on The Street's Dry Your Eyes.
He said: "So I want to play a song, it's one of my favourites. Someone requested it on the 10 minute takeover this morning and dedicated it to me, which ironically out of everything today, was nearly the thing that made me bawl my eyes out.
"Weirdly it will always remind me of my gran as well, she loved this.
"Anyone who knows me, I think they'll know what song it's going to be it was always going to be this. That's it.
"I just want to say thank you to Radio 1 for everything."
With Mills heading to Radio 2, Chris looked for a new challenge and jumped ship to Capital to front the daily early morning show.
Footy fans will also know him from his co-presenting gig on That Peter Crouch Podcast.
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