Oli Penno's Battle with Testicular Cancer: Misdiagnosis, Treatment, and Hope

Misdiagnosis and Diagnosis

Oli Penno, a 19-year-old from Launceston, Cornwall, was diagnosed with testicular cancer after his GP initially mistook the disease for an STI. In October 2023, he first noticed swelling and pain in his testicle but was told it was an infection and prescribed antibiotics. By January 2024, the pain became unbearable, leading to an urgent visit to A&E in Bath where he received the devastating news that he had testicular cancer.

Treatment and Challenges

Oli underwent surgery to remove his right testicle followed by three rounds of chemotherapy in Bristol. The potential side effects of infertility and lowered testosterone production weighed heavily on his mind, but he pushed through with the support of friends, family, and healthcare professionals. Despite facing setbacks such as infections and sepsis post-treatment, Oli remained resilient.

Hope, Fundraising, and Awareness

After being declared cancer-free, Oli embarked on a mission to raise awareness and support other young people with cancer. He fundraised for the Teenage Cancer Trust and continues to have regular check-ups and tests to ensure his health is stable. Through sharing his story, Oli hopes to inspire others to seek medical attention if they notice any abnormal symptoms and is a supporter of the Only Young Once campaign by the Teenage Cancer Trust.