Coronation Street star explains the ‘isolation and fear’ of cancer diagnosis at 19
Coronation Street star Jack James Ryan has opened up about the cancer diagnosis he received at 19 years old as he gears up for Movember’s annual fundraising event.
Movember is a charity that aims to raise awareness and funds for men’s health, including suicide prevention, prostate and testicular cancer, which 45% of the 2,000 British adults polled have been affected by, either personally or through someone they know.
‘As someone who’s personally been through the challenge of testicular cancer, I can’t stress enough how important it is to openly talk about men’s health,’ Jack said.
‘I remember the feeling of isolation, fear, and vulnerability that came with my diagnosis, and how hard it was to find others who understood what I was going through.
‘That’s why Movember means so much to me – helping make space for us to have real conversations about men’s mental and physical health.’
The Jacob Hay actor, now 28, is joining a host of British stars of TV, sport and social media to support the cause this November, and has been pictured sporting a new ‘tache.
However, growing some new facial hair isn’t the only way to get involved in the challenge, as the campaign highlights.
The campaign aims to show that anyone can get involved in Movember. If growing a moustache isn’t for you, then you can make up your own challenge, get moving more, climb a mountain, give up a bad habit or pick up a new one that stretches you.
Anne-Cecile Berthier, Country Director UK & Europe at Movember said: ‘Here at Movember, we’re driven by a bold mission to change the face of men’s health. But that mission isn’t ours to tackle alone. To truly make a difference, we need to unite our global community of supporters.
‘Moustache or no moustache, there are countless ways to show support and get involved, from moving 60km in the month, hosting an event or taking on an epic challenge, we encourage everyone to answer the call and get involved this Movember and help stop men from dying too young.’
Joining Jack in the challenge are Olympian Max Whitlock, Ted Lasso and Celebrity Race Across the World star Kola Bokinni, broadcaster Matt Johnson, mental Health Ambassador Dr Alex George, Sunday Brunch Presenter Simon Rimmer, actor Royce Pierreson of the Line of Duty and The Witcher and many more.
Jack joined the ITV soap as Jacob Hay in 2021. In 2023, he left the street when Jacob was driven out by gangster dad Damon Hay (Ciaran Griffiths).
