“Capital Breakfast host Chris Stark, 38, was supported by his co-stars as he made an emotional return to the airwaves on Tuesday amid his secret cancer battle.”, — write: www.dailymail.co.uk
Chris was earlier supported by his co-stars as he made an emotional return to the airwaves on Tuesday just a day after he revealed he is battling testicular cancer in a shock health update on Monday.
And speaking candidly about his health issues, Chris told Jordan North and Sian Welby of his heartbreaking regret that he didn’t pay closer attention to his testicular health as he spoke about how common and treatable testicular cancer is.
He said: ‘I think it’s quite a hard thing to talk about, given the area that it’s in, but testicular cancer is so treatable, and it’s really common in men aged 18 to 49 and this blew my mind when I found out about it, so I think it’s really important to talk about it, and if it means that’s me kind of being honest about what I’ve gone through and sharing that experience, I’m happy to do it.
‘If it means that that conversation is a bit more easier for other blokes, yeah, and maybe it will encourage some people to go check themselves, because I didn’t do that properly, and I feel like an idiot for that.
‘I feel like I put my family at risk. I feel put a lot of personal stuff at risk, and I really regret that. It really annoys me, so I just want to encourage people to go check themselves, and if that potentially leads to some good from this situation, then I’m really happy to put my one ball on the line….’
Chris is married to his wife Ria Holland and the pair share a daughter, 10, and son, four.
The radio star also discussed how the illness had affected him before admitting that he’d previously returned to work too soon after having surgery.
He said: ‘Yeah about two months ago now, I got diagnosed with testicular cancer, and this is a really heavy thing, and I’m aware of that, we’re on the radio to try and make you feel a bit better, about your lives and we’re part of your routine. So, if you don’t mind just humouring me for a couple of minutes.
‘Just whilst I share this, and I imagine we’re going to talk about this a bit throughout the show. So, there’s been lots of doctors appointments. I had some surgery. At one point. I came back from that surgery, maybe a little earlier than I should, which will explain some of some of the 6am…’
To which Jordan chimed in: ‘I don’t know why you came in, looking back on that Monday, well [laughs].’
Sian added: ‘This is what I’ve been telling everyone because you are such a trooper, like I’ve never known anyone like it like you, you genuinely don’t make a fuss about anything. And this is what has been incredible, Chris, is that you were going through all of that and nobody would have known.’
Meanwhile, Chris revealed that he’s currently undergoing chemotherapy as a preventative measure, noting that the treatment is ‘horrible’.
He shared: ‘Last week, I made a decision to have chemotherapy as well, and the idea of that was to kind of increase the chances of it not coming back, yeah, so it’s preventative rather than curing anything. But yeah, that’s where I’ve been for the last sort of 10 days or so.
‘I’ve been having chemotherapy, which is rubbish, and it’s horrible. But, you know, a lot of people go through this, and I’m very, very aware of that, and so I’ve made a decision that I want to talk about it, because I think there was a bit of a stigma around this kind of thing.’
Earlier in the day, Chris could be seen sharing a sweet hug with Jordan and Sian upon his return to work in a video shared to Capital’s official Instagram page.
The clip sees the presenter back behind his desk as his pals rush over to share their love, with Sian heard saying: ‘Group hug, group hug, We’ve missed you Chris! We’re so glad to have you back!’
The sweet post was captioned: ‘Group hugs for our wonderful @chrisstark. We ae so happy to have you back!’
Meanwhile, Chris shared the same video on his on Instagram page as he remarked: ‘It’s good to be back’.
It comes after Chris took to Instagram with a health update for his followers he explained he has been off the radio in recent months after receiving chemotherapy following his diagnosis two months ago.
He told followers: ‘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.
‘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.’
Encouraging men to break the taboo he continued: ‘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.’
Sharing his gratitude to his loved ones he wrote: ‘Thank you to my incredible family, who stood by me and encouraged me to share what’s happened. I also want to thank my brilliant friends and work colleagues for supporting me and my family.
‘And of course, a huge thank you to the incredible doctors, nurses, and hospital staff I’ve encountered, especially concerning cancer care.
‘I also want to take a moment to send my thoughts and prayers to anyone affected by cancer. Check your balls. Chris xX
‘PS Excited to get back (stronger) to the radio tomo.’
Chris, who is best known for fronting Capital’s Breakfast show alongside Jordan North and Sian Welby, was inundated with support from friends as they took to their comments to share their support.
Jordan penned: ‘We love you so much mate and can’t wait to have you back on the show with us tomorrow. Big love my friend I’m so proud of you’.
While Sian added: ‘Unreal bravery from you Chris. I’ve never known anyone handle a situation with such class and determination. Can’t wait to have you back with us tomorrow’.
Chris’ former radio co-host Scott Mills also sent his love as he commented: ‘So so amazing that you’ve shared this. Always here for you’.
Singer Craig David wrote: ‘Knowing you’re now healthy & caught it early is a real blessing mate. You sharing this is so powerful.’
Gabby Logan penned: ‘So glad your outcome is positive and well done for sharing the message.’
BBC Radio 1 presenter Jeremiah Asiamah added: ‘Thank You For Sharing This Brother ❤️ I’ve sent this to the GC and told the boys to get checked up, including myself – Appreciate you Glad you’re ok xxxx’.
While Jack Saunders commented: ‘Glad you’re on the mend mate and well done for spreading the word’.
Tom Skinner wrote: ‘sending you lots of love mate and brilliant for sharing this message. All the best. Bosh’.
Chris married wife Ria in Barcelona in 2018 and the couple share a son and a daughter.
The presenter announced the birth of his second child live on Radio One back in July 2020 as he revealed they’d named the baby boy Troy Ian Bango Stark.
Aside from Capital, Chris also hosts the award winning That Peter Crouch Podcast and was also co-host on the Scott Mills show on until he departed in 2022.
Starting with one side, gently roll the scrotum with your fingers to feel the surface of the testicle.
Check for any lumps, bumps or unusual features. Contrary to what many assume, cancerous tumors typically aren’t painful.
Make note of any changes in size over time. While the most common symptom of testicular cancer is a painless mass, some men experience swelling of the testicles and scrotum.
Be aware of any dull soreness or heaviness.
Switch sides and check the other testicle.
Source: Hopkins Medicine