Father-of two urges young men to put health first and get checked

Lincoln Carter celebrates his 31st birthday next month and feels very grateful to have that opportunity.

In July this year, he found a lump in his testicle. Despite initial reluctance to tell his fiancée Jen, who is a nurse, Lincoln is very glad he changed his mind as she insisted he book a GP appointment the following day.

“Everything just snowballed after that,” Lincoln said.

“I found a lump on my right testicle so I went to the doctor the next day and before I knew it I was having an ultrasound, followed by surgery.

“It was obvious it was a cancerous tumour so it was a no brainer to have it removed. Once the results came back – the reality of it all really hit me.”

“They said it was testicular cancer with five types of cancer making up the tumour I had – it was aggressive and rapidly growing.”

Lincoln has now passed the half way mark of his chemotherapy treatment with his last day in hospital falling just before Christmas.

Lincoln is undergoing his treatment through the Rockingham General Hospital (RGH) Integrated Cancer Service.

The newly established service, which recently won a 2024 SMHS Excellence Award, focuses on collaborative partnerships with the private sector, healthcare and government partners, non-government organisations and the local community to significantly improve care for cancer patients closer to home.

RGH Consultant Oncologist and Head of Service Dr Sanjana Kondola, said this approach has meant safer and more timely access to services for local patients, leading to an increase in activity and a reduction in wait times.

“Given Lincoln lives in Mandurah, it was really convenient for him to come to Rockingham for treatment, I was able to offer him expedited therapy within our service.” Sanjana said.

“What’s also been really positive is how Lincoln has become a huge advocate for men’s health, and we need to see more of it, men talking to other men about their health.”

“Men aged between 25 and 36 have the highest rate of testicular cancer, but it’s not just this type, there’s also bowel cancer, rectal cancer, and prostate cancer so men really need to seek treatment as soon as they notice any symptoms.”

Lincoln wants his story to encourage other young men to put their health first and get themselves checked.

“Men, especially young men, get embarrassed about having to see a doctor and pull their pants down if something isn’t right – but trust me - it could save your life,” he said.

“I thought chemo was going to control everything but when well enough I’ve still been able to spend time with my family, go out and socialise and even get back to my job as a supervisor in construction, which has all been really good for my mental health.”

This month is all about men’s health with Movember one of the leading organisations taking on men’s health around the globe in an effort to help them live happier, healthier, and longer lives.

While Lincoln can’t ‘grow a mo’ currently, and sadly had to say goodbye to his trademark bushy beard during treatment, his family have thrown their support behind the cause with his Uncle’s workshop taking part in Movember for the first time this year.

And for Lincoln that’s what it’s all about – spreading the word one mo at a time.

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