This is so grim. Why is this a list of things you need to worry about?

I had testicular cancer a decade ago (in Ireland). I found a lump, went to my GP, had a scan 2 days later, and surgery 12 later. Followed by chemo and a RPNLD as was needed.

I didn’t need to chase any doctors, I trusted every doctor I met (had I had AI then I wouldn’t have wasted time with them).

I got a second opinion, because why not, but they agreed with my onc.

Is this some very US coded list that isn’t relevant to my experiences in Ireland?

ps. I’m not sure why genetic testing is suggested here?

> I had testicular cancer a decade ago (in Ireland). I found a lump, went to my GP, had a scan 2 days later, and surgery 12 later. Followed by chemo and a RPNLD as was needed.

I would be shocked if it did not go pretty much exactly the same in the US. Testicular cancer diagnosis is really well understood and straightforward.

> I’m not sure why genetic testing is suggested here?

A couple of reasons (off the top of my head). Depending on the type of cancer, there are certain genetic markers that indicate how it might progress + impact the overall risk. This is something you might want to communicate to other biological family members. Your genetics also can impact what treatments you respond the best to, and knowing ahead of time lets you start on the things that are most effective for your body in particular.

sure to ruffle some feathers with this comment but from my eyes this is just American culture and I see similar things play out everywhere.

It's a very extreme form of individualism in combination with capitalism. Then we have the worship of corporations

The best way to operate under that is how you should expect everyone else to: strongly advocate for yourself, because even hospitals in cases like this will be looking after themselves first