“I got diagnosed with testicular cancer three years ago in 2022. I was a fit, healthy 35-year-old with a young family and growing business and cancer was definitely not in my plan or on my radar.”
On Sunday 23rd November dairy farmer Andy Venables was invited to speak on BBC Breakfast and shared his testicular cancer story – urging others to get themselves checked as soon as possible if they notice any unusual or unexplained changes in their health.
Andy shared his story as part of the Rural Communities Cancer Project and #NipItInTheBud campaign – a UK-wide partnership with FCN and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Andy’s story and his important message has resonated with the public, with a number of national papers covering it, including The Express: BBC Breakfast airs devastating cancer story and ‘important message’ | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV | Express.co.uk
We hope this prominent coverage will help to encourage everyone – including our farming and rural communities – to prioritise their health and wellbeing, to take part in any screening opportunities, and to speak with a GP should they have any concerns.
Macmillan has developed a wide variety of resources on the signs and symptoms of cancer, which are available here: Understanding cancer symptoms | Macmillan Cancer Support
If you have been affected by this story and would like to speak to someone about cancer, you can contact Macmillan’s Support Line on 0808 808 0000.
FCN can also be contacted in confidence on 03000 111 999 or help@fcn.org.uk. FCN volunteers understand farming life and its unique pressures and are here to listen and support you.
Source: BBC: BBC One – Breakfast, 23/11/2025
Coverage:
Vets brought in to help with human health in ‘UK first’ scheme | The Independent
Vets drafted in to help with human health in ‘UK first’ – BBC News
BBC Breakfast hosts praise cancer survivor’s ‘important message’ on show – Manchester Evening News
BBC Breakfast hosts praise ‘important message’ after devastating cancer story | Bristol Live
BBC Breakfast shares ‘important message’ in emotional cancer update – The Mirror