Craig Mycock's story about coping with penile cancer took center stage on This Morning, leading to emotional revelations about his experience. He shared his diagnosis from 2020 and how it led to the amputation of his penis, calling the process 'hell'.
Appearing alongside hosts Rylan Clark and Josie Gibson, Craig opened up about how he noticed what he thought was just a small mark during a routine procedure. While he initially ignored it, it was during this procedure when medical staff pointed it out, raising immediate concerns about the potential for cancer.
Craig stated, "At first, I thought it would be okay. It's just something I can ignore since it didn’t cause any pain. But then reality hit, and medical professionals urged me to get it checked.”
His visit to the cancer specialist led to shocking news via biopsy. The originally anticipated partial amputation changed drastically when doctors informed him weeks later the cancer had advanced significantly, requiring the complete removal of his penis.
Recalling the moment he learned this, Craig said it felt like “hell.” Adding, "I lost my confidence, your masculinity, you lose your identity really.” The isolation during this period, made worse by pandemic restrictions, only compounded his distress.
Support during this time came from his wife, Colette. She sat beside him on the show, sharing her perspective: "Watching him go through mental struggles was heart-wrenching as he went from my happy husband to someone who sat for days without any joy."
Craig admitted to considering suicide post-surgery, overwhelmed by the mental toll of his new reality. Through tears, he explained, "It took me as far as it possibly could before I broke down completely.”
Fortunately for him, after the surgery, he was able to begin the healing process, though it was fraught with challenges. "I had a lot of pain around the area, and I still get unbearable pain some days. But it was the mental torture, it pushed me to my breaking point,” he shared.
While he felt relief first after the surgery, he soon found his emotional state to be extremely fragile. With the support of family, he was steadied, guiding him to speak out about penile cancer awareness.
"Not many people know about it, and I hope my story helps at least one man recognize the signs and seek help,” Craig said. His honesty about these experiences opened doors for conversations about men’s health, often overlooked.
Viewers reacted positively to Craig’s bravery. Numerous fans praised him on social media, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness on male health issues. Comments flooded in, with one viewer posting, "Very brave man for speaking out and raising awareness!"
Following his heartfelt sharing on air, co-host Rylan Clark revealed he felt inspired to check himself for unusual signs, reflecting the impact of honesty surrounding such stigmatized topics.
Craig's wife also lamented the emotional toll it took on both of them, describing her husband’s emotional pain as the hardest to witness. "He shriveled down to nothing, retreating from everyone,” she noted.
Craig's story doesn't just highlight the severity of penile cancer but brings attention to the feelings of isolation many endure. He urges others to recognize, "If something doesn't feel right, check it out, don’t wait,” emphasizing the importance of early detection.
Penile cancer, as Craig pointed out, does not receive the attention it needs, which leads to undiagnosed cases escalating unnecessarily. Symptoms may include visible growths or sores, leading to more complications if not addressed sooner.
For those seeking assistance, organizations like Macmillan Cancer Support offer help. Their services are available for anyone facing similar ordeals, showcasing the need for community support.
Craig’s willingness to share his story may encourage others to discuss their health issues openly. Now, moving forward, he stands as proof of resilience and the strength found within vulnerability.
By sparking dialogue about these problems, Craig aims to dismantle the stigma surrounding men's health matters. His voice resonates loudly, reminding everyone to be proactive about their health.
“What I went through was excruciATING,” Craig concluded. "But it illuminated the necessity for awareness. If anyone’s listening, getting checked could save your life."