Tarek El Moussa, star of the show Flip or Flop, just revealed he was diagnosed with testicular cancer while being treated for thyroid cancer in 2013.
El Moussa first sought medical treatment when an observant fan, nurse Ryan Read, wrote to the producers of Flip or Flop. In her letter, she mentioned a lump she noticed on El Moussa's neck needed to be examined by doctors. Trouble swallowing, a growing lump, and a sneaking suspicion drove El Moussa to seek testing.
After undergoing thyroid surgery, El Moussa and his now ex-wife Christina El Moussa poured over his medical records. Their efforts proved important, as they found an old but irregular testicular exam. While the Flip or Flop star underwent treatment for his thyroid cancer, he privately pursued an ultrasound to be sure nothing else was wrong.
Doctors soon confirmed El Moussa's worst fear. "A half hour later, they tell me I have cancer and try to sign me up for surgery," he said. "That was devastating."
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The television star says he was nervous to go public with his health battle, as "testicular cancer is more of a private thing." But the Flip or Flop told People that he opted to come forward after his own stepfather was diagnosed with the same cancer.
"A lot of people said they got tested because I shared my story," he says. "I thought this was the time to come forward, because it could save some lives."
