Testicular cancer survivor Mo Bro Ryan Green uses his own cancer experience to educate others and spread awareness about men's health.

Testicular cancer survivor Mo Bro Ryan Green uses his own cancer experience to educate others and spread awareness about men's health.

Ryan Green had just finished Lance Armstrong’s book, “It's Not about the Bike: My Journey Back to Life,” when he received his own testicular cancer diagnosis. After the pain he assumed was from running a marathon did not go away, Ryan went to the doctor, and within days he had the cancerous testicle removed and was monitored regularly for signs of recurrence.  “I am now medically determined cancer free, but that experience never leaves you,” said Ryan. 
 

Upon being diagnosed, he immediately thought about his reproductive organs and wondered if he would be able to have children. Now with a four year old daughter, Ryan feels lucky to be a cancer survivor and have a platform to help educate other men on the importance of talking about personal medical topics. “It’s so important for men to think about their own health so they can be around to take care of their families and not leave anyone behind,” said Ryan. With an extensive family history of male cancers, including his father (prostate) and grandfather (lung), Ryan knows how devastating the experience can be, not only for the man himself, but for his loved ones as well. 
 

Ryan is now an active advocate for men’s health and cancer initiatives. Even before his own diagnosis, he was participating in cancer awareness events. “It almost felt like, without knowing it, I was banking away resources and contacts and contributing towards a cure for an illness I was about to struggle with,” said Ryan. As a certified athletic trainer with a PHD in kinesiology, Ryan talks to people every day about health and fitness.  He uses his survivorship as a platform to educate men and encourage them just to be open about their health. Events like LIVESTRONG Foundation Summits and Movember are some of Ryan’s favorite cancer awareness initiatives.  
 

In Louisiana, friends of Ryan’s running company host a race during moustache season, where year-over-year more participants have been Mo Bros and Mo Sistas. “Being a men’s cancer survivor, I looked around the finish line at last year’s event and saw the Movember movement in action, it was an overwhelming feeling. I loved that people had come together for an event promoting health and wellness,” said Ryan.
 

Ryan’s story speaks to the heart of the Movember movement. Knowing your family history and educating others are two important aspects of early diagnosis. Advocates like Ryan help break down barriers and encourage men to live healthy lifestyles that include activities like annual health checks. Thank you, Ryan, for sharing your story with us and for all the work you do as a Mo Bro.