Teen dies after hiding embarrassing testicle lump

Taken From: 9News World

Date Published: May 17th, 2013

Michael Rushby at the age of 16 upon his death

Summary: Micheal Rushby, a 16 year old boy from the UK died shortly after telling his brother about a mysterious lump on his testicle. He was only 16, from Grangetown in northeast England. His brother after seeing it took him straight to A&E (Accident and emergency). After observing the lump, the doctor stated there was an 80% chance it was cancer. After numerous tests at James Cook University Hospital, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer that had already spread to his abdomen and chest. Doctors said he had a 75% survival rate, and shortly later underwent a week of chemotherapy. 

Micheal was allowed to return home from the hospital on the 26th of April. Only three days later, moments before his hospital check-up he collapsed on the stairs. He died later that day in the hospital. Micheal's family is now urging for others to speak out about medical issues, no matter how embarrassing. He went by the nickname Mikey.

"I want to say to anyone who ever thinks they might have a problem, go to your mum, go to your dad, go to someone. Mikey could have come to his mum - I wouldn't have been embarrassed."

 Opinion: I think that it is very important for people to open up about medical issues about themselves. Even if it is embarrassing it could save that persons life. It is stated that he is reporting this issue 8 months after he first saw it. Early detection of cancer increases the survival rate by a landslide. When cancer is detected early it is easier for it to be treated. I believe people people should be more open, and parents should build a closer relationship with their children, so they don't feel bad or embarrassed to show something.