DREW Duggan and Nic Jovanovic were both young, both fit, and both healthy.
But neither of them could escape a testicular cancer diagnosis.
"I was fit, healthy. I hardly drink, I don't smoke. I do everything right, and the fact I was still diagnosed with cancer was such a tough pill to swallow," Mr Jovanovic, a Newcastle electrician who appeared on Married at First Sight, said.
"It was a bit of a reality check. Anyone can get it."
Related: Jovanovic back to reality after MAFS and cancer relapse
Mr Jovanovic was originally diagnosed with cancer in 2014, after doctors discovered a malignant lump growing behind his stomach.
He was 24.
He underwent surgery and "rigorous" chemotherapy.
He lost his hair, and he had thought - hoped - he was in the clear.
"But five years later, to be having a shower and feel this weird lump, my heart just sank," he said.
"I thought, surely this isn't cancer."
It was. Ten days later, his left testicle was removed.
Mr Jovanovic wanted to use his social profile from his reality TV appearanceto raise awareness of testicular cancer and men's health during "Movember".
"Check yourself. If something doesn't feel right, look right, it's for a reason," he said. "Don't put it off or think, 'She'll be right'."
Mr Jovanovic has teamed up with Mr Duggan, of WellFit Personal Training, who said his diagnosis with testicular cancer early last year was also met with a "lot of disbelief".
"People would say to me, 'But you're the healthiest person I know'," he said.
"That's why I decided to speak up and put the message out in the first place."
Related: 'No one is invincible. It can happen to anyone'
Before he found a lump in January last year, Mr Duggan said it had been a mate's diagnosis with testicular cancer that initially prompted him to do his own examinations.
Now he hopes to pay it forward by inspiring other men to pay a little more attention to what's happening below the belt.
"I had done Movember for five years myself, and I think I was raising funds - but I don't think I was actually raising awareness.
"Me speaking up about it is trying to get that awareness out there that this doesn't discriminate. It can happen to any of us, and you do need to be proactive in looking after your health."
Mr Duggan underwent 12 weeks of "pretty intensive" chemotherapy.
"It wasn't enjoyable at all," he said. "Physically and mentally, I knew I was going to struggle. I had four cycles, and each one got progressively harder."
Mr Duggan said testicular cancer could be cured if diagnosed and treated early.
Find out more or support the cause at Movember.com.
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