When Married At First Sight’s Nic Jovanovic beat testicular cancer after being diagnosed at age 24, he was sure the worst was over.
However, when the disease sadly resurfaced in January this year, the former reality star was forced to undergo chemotherapy and have a teste removed.
In a candid interview with 9Now, Nic opened up about his second diagnosis, describing it as crippling and ‘horrific.’
WATCH: Nic reveals heartbreak over second bout of testicular cancer
“I had a form of testicular cancer that developed behind my stomach. I went through chemo and surgery and had a tumour revealed. We thought that was it,” the 28-year-old said, before detailing the devastating moment when his cancer resurfaced.
“I got diagnosed with another form of cancer. I had to have a teste removed and surgery and chemo,” Nic – who is encouraging Australians to get behind Daffodil Day – confessed.
The MAFS star also described the psychological impact that cancer brings with it, describing the feeling of the unknown as being crippling.
“You have so many mixed thoughts about cancer in your head. Has it spread? Is the chemo working? Will the surgery be enough?” he said.
Nic also said the diagnosis hit his loved ones hard as well.
“It was as horrific for them [my family] as it was for me. It just meant trying to be there for me. It’s just another thing that my family had to beat altogether.
“They supported me with everything I needed in every way possible,” he added.
According to the Daily Mail, Nic previously revealed that complications from his first cancer surgery in 2014 left him unable to conceive naturally.
On Monday, Nic’s former MAFS bride, Cyrell Paule addressed his fertility issues while announcing her own pregnancy with Love Island star, Eden Dally.
In a somewhat insensitive comment, the couple said it was ‘ironic’ that both their respective ex-partners ‘struggle having children.’
“Nic had testicular cancer and he’s got to do IVF,” she said.
Despite the failure of his relationship with Cyrell, Nic appears to be ready for another shot at love on the Channel 9 show.
In April, it was rumoured that the Nic begged the producers of Married At First Sight to allow him to return to the show.
“He loves the drama,” a friend dished to New Idea.
“And he totally wants to go back on again.”
Nic has also made a full recovery from cancer and is urging others to be on alert for early detection:
“If something doesn’t look right or feel right — any aches or pains that don’t go away — I’d encourage everyone to get checked as soon as possible.
“Don’t put things off and don’t have a mentality of ‘it’ll go away’. It’s not always the case that it’ll be alright.”
And if you’re currently suffering from cancer, the reality star also has some advice.
“Always remain positive. Always know that you’re better, bigger and stronger than cancer. If family and friends want to be there for you — let them in. Don’t push them away. Let love in and take in all the support. You might not think you need it but you do.”
After being diagnosed with cancer twice at such a young age, Nic is urging Australians to get behind the Daffodil Day Appeal by the Cancer Council on Friday, August 23 and join the fight against cancer.
“Every person you talk to, they’ve been touched by cancer or someone they know has,” said Nic. “It’s just horrific. Daffodil Day is not just about raising money but raising awareness. Cancer is still out there, and we need to fund research and find a way to get rid of it,” he added.
The Cancer Council offers information and support, available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, by calling 13 11 20.
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