PC Wayne Sturman, a dedicated officer within Suffolk Police Force, has spent the last 16 years serving his community. 

He began his career later than most, joining the force at 39.

“It was something I’d always wanted to do,” he said, adding: “and I’m glad I finally did. No regrets.”

Now 56, Wayne is sharing his personal health journey to mark Men’s Health Month (November), hoping to encourage men to be vigilant about their own health.

Wayne’s story began in May, during a phased return to work following three months off due to an accident in which he broke a bone in his pelvis after falling from his bike. 

It was during this period that he noticed a concerning change. His right testicle felt different. 

Wayne Sturman with his wife Jane. Wayne has shared his personal health journey to mark Men’s Health Month.

“I knew something wasn’t right, but I thought I’d give it a couple of weeks to settle,” he recalled. And after noticing no improvement and discussing it with his wife, Jane,  he decided to visit his GP.

After an examination, Wayne was sent for an ultrasound.

“I was due to go on holiday to Mexico, and I remember thinking this could be my last holiday, so I was determined to go,” he said. 

Upon his return, the ultrasound results revealed a tumour. The news was difficult to digest, especially when he was told that the affected testicle would need to be removed.

Operation

Wayne, a father and grandfather, continued: “They weren’t sure whether the tumour was benign or cancerous, but the operation was necessary.”

Wayne admitted that the news brought with it a flood of thoughts: ‘How would I feel with just one testicle?’

The operation was scheduled for two to three weeks later, but just an hour before surgery, the consultant confirmed the tumour was indeed cancerous. 

Wayne had been offered a prosthetic testicle, but the consultant warned it could increase the risk of infection, which might prevent him from receiving chemotherapy if needed. For this reason, he delayed this procedure.

“The operation went to plan, but it was very weird,” Wayne admitted. At 55 (his age at the time), adjusting to life without one testicle was a strange experience. 

Agonising wait

However, the agonising wait to find out whether the cancer had spread was even more daunting. 

“It took three to four weeks to hear back on whether the cancer had spread, and during that time, I was nervous.

"Thankfully, the cancer hadn’t spread. Because the tumour had been completely excised, I was in the clear and no chemotherapy was needed,” he said.

Looking back, Wayne reflects on the importance of taking action. 

He says that had he not read branch vice chair Matt Paisley’s story about his cancer experience, he might not have visited the GP.

He added: “I did everything I could to avoid going, but I’m so thankful I did. And that’s very much down to reading Matt’s story."

Advice

His advice to men is simple but crucial - pay attention to changes in your body. 

“My testicle changed overnight. You never think it will happen to you, but it can,” said Wayne, who admits this time last year he was ‘terrified’ of cancer.

“I couldn’t even say the word ‘cancer’. Now I will do what I can to raise awareness and help others.”

He added: “Don’t be embarrassed. Get checked out as soon as possible if something doesn’t feel right.”

Today, Wayne enjoys complete peace of mind, with 10 years of surveillance ahead involving regular blood tests and scans. 

Whirlwind

He ended: “This whole experience lasted about 12 weeks from finding the lump to being told I was in the clear. It was surreal, and a complete whirlwind.

“But my experience has given me a new perspective. If sharing my story helps save even one life, it’s worth it.”

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