Tarek El Moussa reveals battle with testicular cancer
The "Flip or Flop" reality star has also struggled with thyroid cancer.
— -- Tarek El Moussa experienced a bout with not only thyroid cancer but also testicular cancer at the same time, and he is now speaking out about his battle. The "Flip or Flop" star talked to People about the struggle he kept quiet.
"Testicular cancer is more of a private thing," he told People.
After the thyroid diagnosis, with help from his now-ex-wife and "Flip or Flop" co-star, Christina El Moussa, he combed through his medical records to find anything else out of the ordinary. After finding an irregular testicular exam from years earlier, Tarek El Moussa pursued further testing.
"I was at one building doing my thyroid stuff, and mentioned I was going across the street to get an ultrasound done," El Moussa said. "I'll never forget the doctor joking, 'I hope you don't have cancer!'"
He got the ultrasound, and he remembers the technician's suddenly acting nervous — which El Moussa said immediately tipped him off that something was wrong.
"A half hour later, they tell me I have cancer and try to sign me up for surgery," he said. "That was devastating."
After receiving surgery and radioactive iodine therapy, El Moussa has beaten the cancers, People reports. He's been inspired to come forward and share the second cancer battle because he thought it would help people be more aware of their health.
"A lot of people said they got tested because I shared my [thyroid cancer] story," he said. "I thought this was the time to come forward, because it could save some lives."