Former Married At First Sight groom Nic Jovanovic has revealed his cancer returned while filming Channel Nine’s social experiment, 9Honey reports.
Nic was first diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2014. “I was fit, I train, I eat well, I don’t do drugs, I hardly drink, I was the epitome of healthy,” he told the publication. “Then to hear that [word], your whole world just turned upside down.”
Nic’s health problems began when he felt an unusual sensation one Sunday afternoon in 2015. “It was really awkward sort of pain. I thought it’s just a bit of a stitch. I’ll sleep it off,” he recalls to 9Honey. “I woke up the next day and was still in pain. I was like, ‘This isn’t right, may as well go get it checked out’.”
The doctor diagnosed him with reflux, and recommended he take Nexium. Nic decided to make an appointment with his regular doctor, who sent him for an ultrasound and CT scan, revealing a mass behind his stomach.
Nic completed his treatment in 2015 and resumed living life to the full, with even more appreciation for his good health and good fortune.
Nic signed up to MAFS and was filming the series when he discovered another lump in December of last year.
“I also noticed a small semi-hard kind of lump at the end of my left testicle,” he tells 9Honey.
Tests later confirmed a second testicular cancer diagnosis.
“I couldn’t believe it,” he says. “Four years later…there was so much going on in my life, for it to come back, I’m still in shock that it came back.
“You think being that young and having dealt with it once, surely that’s it. And then over Christmas, I was having a shower and I was sort of having a feel as you do, as most men should do.”
Nic’s specialist agreed to delay surgery by a week so Nic could complete filming for MAFS. “So [I] arrived on January 29 for surgery and, funny enough, in the waiting room my wedding episode was on repeat,” he says.
“Nurses approaching me in confusion knowing my story from watching the show…but unaware why I am back again.”
Following his recovery from surgery, Nic underwent chemotherapy. A recent blood test confirmed Nic is now cancer-free.
“I just want men out there, even females, [to know] if something doesn’t feel right it’s for a reason. Just check. What’s the harm? It doesn’t affect your ego,” Nic said. “You’re probably getting a day off work to go to the doctor. Just go get it checked. Don’t take the risk.
“There are so many people around you that are going to suffer if you’re not there, especially yourself. So just, get it checked, don’t be afraid, don’t be embarrassed.”
