Florida entrepreneur discovers stage-2 testicular cancer after persistent pain

While training for fitness challenges, 27-year-old Nate Shalom heard a warning from Kathy Lemoine, whose 30-year-old son died of colon cancer after a stomach ache. Six months later, Shalom experienced a persistent dull pain in his right testicle, followed by swelling, abdominal discomfort and lower-back aches. A urologist initially suspected an infection but performed an ultrasound that showed a mass; an MRI in June confirmed stage-2 testicular cancer with spread to an abdominal lymph node.

Shalom, who runs a device-sales business for med spas, faced scheduling conflicts, added supplemental insurance costs, and delayed his MRI to align with surgery. He is now midway through a three-cycle chemotherapy regimen, dealing with hair loss, nausea and fatigue, while relying on support from his girlfriend, family and friends. Lemoine’s story motivated him to act quickly, underscoring the importance of early symptom checks for young adults.