ABC News correspondent Will Reeve has shared publicly for the first time that he was diagnosed with testicular cancer earlier this year, just months after marrying his wife, Amanda. The 34-year-old journalist, known for his reporting on “Good Morning America,” revealed details of his medical journey on Tuesday, emphasizing that he is now healthy and that the experience is firmly in his rearview mirror.
- Early Detection and Initial Diagnosis
- Surgeries and Chemotherapy Treatment
- Ringing the Bell and Honoring His Mother
- Raising Awareness and Destigmatizing Health Issues
- Frequently Asked Questions About Testicular Cancer
- What is embryonal carcinoma?
- What are the common symptoms of testicular cancer?
- How is testicular cancer typically treated?
- What is cold capping and why is it used?
- Is testicular cancer curable?
Early Detection and Initial Diagnosis
Reeve explained that he first noticed a lump in his left testicle in April. Prompted by his wife, Amanda-whom he married in January-he sought immediate medical evaluation. An ultrasound performed shortly after revealed a suspicious mass in the testicle.
In early May, Reeve underwent an orchiectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the affected testicle. Pathology results following the surgery confirmed a diagnosis of embryonal carcinoma. According to the National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine and the Cleveland Clinic, embryonal carcinoma is an aggressive form of testicular cancer that is most frequently diagnosed in young to middle-aged men.
Surgeries and Chemotherapy Treatment
To prevent the cancer from spreading further, Reeve underwent a second, extensive procedure in June. The six-hour retroperitoneal lymph node dissection involved removing dozens of lymph nodes. Pathology tests later confirmed that three of the removed lymph nodes were cancerous.
Faced with the potential risk of recurrence, Reeve chose to undergo two cycles of chemotherapy beginning in July at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. His treatment days involved spending nine hours at the hospital alongside his wife. During this time, he received two hours of chemotherapy followed by seven hours of cold capping-a specialized technique used to help mitigate hair loss.
During his recovery windows between chemotherapy sessions, Reeve experienced several taxing physical side effects. These included severe bone pain, ringing in the ears, night sweats, blood clots, and persistent headaches. Despite the rigorous treatment schedule, Reeve managed to continue working through portions of his medical battle.
Ringing the Bell and Honoring His Mother
At the end of July, Reeve completed his final treatment cycle and rang the ceremonial bell at Memorial Sloan Kettering to signify the successful conclusion of his therapy. When marking the milestone, Reeve reflected on his late mother, Dana Reeve. She underwent cancer treatment at the exact same hospital before passing away from lung cancer at age 44 in March 2006. Will Reeve is also the son of the late “Superman” actor Christopher Reeve.
Raising Awareness and Destigmatizing Health Issues
Reeve stated that he decided to share his personal health crisis to raise broader awareness about testicular cancer. He also aimed to help eliminate the stigma associated with men’s health evaluations.
“I want folks to know that this is a thing that can happen. It’s shocking. It’s weird. It’s slightly awkward to talk about just because of what we’re really discussing here, but that you end up okay, almost always,” Reeve said during his broadcast announcement.
Reeve confirmed that recent scans show positive results, and he currently has no detectable cancer in his body. He encourages men to perform regular self-examinations and consult physicians promptly if they notice any unusual bodily changes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Testicular Cancer
What is embryonal carcinoma?
Embryonal carcinoma is a rare and aggressive type of non-seminoma germ cell testicular cancer. It originates in the cells that form sperm and can grow and spread quickly if not detected and treated early. However, its overall prognosis remains very favorable with timely intervention.
What are the common symptoms of testicular cancer?
Common symptoms include a painless lump or swelling in either testicle, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, a sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum, or dull aches in the lower abdomen and groin. Any persistent changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional immediately.
How is testicular cancer typically treated?
Treatment usually begins with an orchiectomy to remove the cancerous testicle. Depending on the staging, pathology results, and whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, subsequent treatments may include active surveillance, additional lymph node dissection surgery, or chemotherapy cycles.
What is cold capping and why is it used?
Cold capping involves wearing a chilled cap on the head before, during, and after chemotherapy infusions. The cold temperature constricts blood vessels in the scalp, reducing the amount of chemotherapy medication that reaches hair follicles and thereby helping to prevent or minimize hair loss.
Is testicular cancer curable?
Yes, testicular cancer is one of the most treatable and curable forms of cancer, especially when diagnosed and treated in its early stages. Survival rates for localized testicular cancer approach nearly 99 percent.
