In this episode of It Takes Balls, Osvaldo Castro shares his experience with testicular cancer 15 years ago as a 24-year-old man of Mexican descent. At first, he ignored what felt like a lump and assumed it was a hernia. But over the course of several months, the lump grew heavier and more painful, eventually causing back pain — one of the lesser-realized symptoms of testicular cancer. By the time he finally sought help, doctors told him he was dangerously close to the cancer spreading beyond his abdomen.

Osvaldo walks through the shock of hearing “you have cancer,” undergoing an orchiectomy, and waking up to learn that the his testicle had been completely removed. He candidly describes the emotional reality of losing a testicle, the confusion around what doctors were removing, and the relief of finally being free from the constant pain after surgery. His story is an important reminder that testicular cancer symptoms can include a lump, swelling, heaviness, and persistent back pain — and that early detection can save your life.

The episode also explores the experience of navigating cancer as a young Hispanic man. Osvaldo discusses how testicular cancer is rarely talked about in his community, not because of stigma, but because men simply are not taught to do regular testicular self-exams or talk openly about their health. He reflects on chemotherapy, financial stress, qualifying for emergency Medicaid when he could no longer work as a welder, and the long-term side effects that followed treatment — including fatigue, low endurance, and low testosterone. Years later, he wants other survivors to know to ask their doctor about testosterone testing and to advocate for their own health after treatment ends.

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