Coronation Street star calls for cancer storyline after revealing secret health battle
CORONATION Street star Jack James Ryan has said he wants to explore testicular cancer in the soap.
The actor - who plays drug dealer Jacob in the ITV soap - wants to use his own experience of the cancer to raise awareness of it.
He told Inside Soap: “I like the idea of being able to tell stories that I have personal experience with.
“When I was 18, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer – I’m fine and in remission now.
“But when I found out, the doctor said that it was common for young men, and I had never heard that before.
“I’d really love to find a way of telling a story like that for Jacob and opening the conversation.”
The actor previously revealed his health battle with a co-star.
The 24-year-old actor - who plays Jacob in the ITV soap - was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2017 and went on to make a full recovery.
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He opened up about his hidden health scare as he supported his Corrie co-star Victoria Ekanoye who has breast cancer.
Victoria was congratulating Jack on his second stint on the show when he replied about his own experience with the disease.
He said: "Thanks so much Victoria, I think you’re class.
"Been so inspired by you opening up about your cancer journey and I’m sending you all the love and positive vibes.
"Had my own run in with it a few years back. You’ve got this. Big love! x"
Victoria replied: "Thanks JJ ❤️ I won’t lie, it’s one hell of a slog, but my family and friends, all the messages of support…feels like I have my own little army 🙌🏾
"I had no idea you battled the big C…what a warrior. And now you’re smashing it on our beloved @itvcorrie. Much love and respect x."
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Jack has occasionally opened up about his cancer battle, which happened when he was at drama school.
He spoke about it on the podcast Industry Minds and wrote the play Me & My Left Ball, which sold out back in 2019, about his experiences.
Meanwhile, Victoria revealed she had given birth to her first baby with Jonny back in March.
Then in November the 39-year-old discovered she had breast cancer - and said she is determined to beat the disease for her baby son.
Victoria, who played Angie Appleton from 2017 until 2019, said she was feeding her son Theo when she noticed a small lump protruding at the top of her left breast.
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She feared she may not be around for her son - but doctors believe a double mastectomy will cure her because the cancer was discovered so early.
Victoria told : "My mum had breast cancer at 41, and her sister at 39 - so many people in my family, in fact. So I don't really leave any time before I check these things."
She went on: "I was diagnosed on the thirteenth of October with DCIS, which is Ductal carcinoma in situ.
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"It basically means that cells have turned cancerous within the milk ducts."
The star added: "We're being really optimistic, and positive, and really lucky that we've caught it as early as we have.
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"I don't know if lucky is the right word, but that's how I feel."
