KSTP’s Brett Hoffland, wife Mary share story of his testicular cancer

Imagine getting a cancer diagnosis right as the world was shutting down for the coronavirus pandemic. That’s what happened to KSTP’s Brett Hoffland.

Brett found out he had testicular cancer in April. After surgery and chemotherapy, he’s now cancer-free and returned to work on Tuesday.

Testicular cancer does not get as much attention as other cancers, and it usually strikes younger men in the prime of their lives.

"We learned throughout this process that it’s the most common cancer for young men age 15 to 35" said Hoffland. "I’m right in the thick of that."

Brett will have check-ups every three months for the next two years to make sure the cancer doesn’t return.

Brett and his wife Mary sat down for a personal conversation with Kevin Doran because they believe people need to talk more about testicular cancer.

"I don’t think talking about checking your testicles is necessarily the most comfortable thing in the world" said Mary McGuire Hoffland. "But this disease is a young man’s cancer. And it is so aggressive but it is treatable when it’s caught early."

Brett and Mary believe their dog Scoobie helped them find his cancer early. To find out why, click on the link above.

KSTP’s Brett Hoffland celebrates effective cancer treatment, plans on returning to newsroom in September

The Testicular Cancer Foundation raises awareness about the symptoms of testicular cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer among males ages 15 to 34.

According to the Testicular Cancer Society, cancer of the testis occurs when cancer cells form in one or both testicles. These cells begin to change and grow uncontrollably, forming a mass or tumor. The cells can also invade the bloodstream and lymph system and spread, leading to tumors in other areas of the body called metastases.

The Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation provides lifesaving valuable support for patients, survivors and caregivers.