Ewan Jeanes was just 16 when he found a lump in the bath. Two years later, the Greenock teenager lost his life to an aggressive cancer that returned despite treatment. His devastated mum Samantha is now begging young men: check yourself and never feel embarrassed to get help.
The 18-year-old’s death on February 6 has left his family and community heartbroken. After surgery and chemotherapy, Ewan thought he had beaten testicular cancer in March 2024. But months later doctors discovered germ cell cancer had spread to his stomach, liver and lungs.
Samantha Jeanes told the Greenock Telegraph her son never ignored the first warning sign and that saved precious time. She wants every young man to follow his example.
Ewan’s Brave Two-Year Fight
Doctors removed Ewan’s testicle and he went through several rounds of intense chemotherapy. By spring 2024 the family celebrated when scans showed no evidence of disease.
They enjoyed a normal summer. Ewan went back to school, saw friends and even started planning his future. His mum said he was “full of life again”.
Then everything changed. In late 2024 Ewan began feeling unwell. Tests revealed the cancer had returned in a much more aggressive form called germ cell tumour. This rare type spreads quickly and is harder to treat.
Despite more chemotherapy and specialist care at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, the disease progressed rapidly. Ewan spent his final month in Accord Hospice before passing away peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
Why Young Men Must Check Themselves Every Month
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 35 across the UK. Cancer Research UK says around 2,400 men are diagnosed each year and survival rates are over 95 percent when caught early.
The problem is too many young men feel embarrassed and wait months before seeing a doctor.
Samantha Jeanes said: “Ewan was only 16 and he told me straight away. He wasn’t embarrassed with me as his mum. But I know lots of boys would be scared to speak up. Please don’t be. It could save your life.”
Doctors recommend monthly self-checks. Here’s the simple way to do it:
- Best time is during or after a warm bath or shower when the skin is relaxed
- Hold your scrotum in your hands and gently roll each testicle between thumb and fingers
- Feel for any hard lumps, smooth or uneven areas, or changes in size
- One testicle is normally slightly larger, that’s normal
- Any change or pain should be checked by a GP immediately
Most lumps are not cancer, but getting checked quickly is vital.
The Silent Killer That Strikes in Prime of Life
Cases of testicular cancer in teenagers and young men have risen steadily over the past decade. Experts believe better awareness means more cases are being spotted, but late diagnosis remains a serious problem.
In Scotland alone, around 200 men are diagnosed each year. When caught at stage 1, the survival rate is 99 percent. By stage 4 it drops dramatically.
Ewan’s cancer returned as a germ cell tumour that had spread throughout his body. His family was told there was nothing more doctors could do.
His mum spent every day of his final weeks by his side. “He never complained once,” she said. “He was so brave right to the end.”
A Mother’s Plea That Every Parent Needs to Hear
Samantha Jeanes has one simple message she wants every young man and every parent to remember.
“If something doesn’t feel right, get it checked. Don’t wait. Don’t be embarrassed. Don’t think it won’t happen to you. Because it happened to my beautiful boy.”
She added: “Talk to your sons. Tell them it’s okay to speak up. Ewan did everything right and still lost his life. But if his story saves even one person, then something good will come from this pain.”
The family has been overwhelmed by messages of support from across Greenock and beyond. Friends have described Ewan as funny, kind and always smiling despite everything he went through.
His death has highlighted once again that cancer doesn’t care about age. And that early action really can be the difference between life and death.
Samantha’s words carry the weight of unbearable loss, but also unbreakable love. She hopes every young man who reads this will take thirty seconds next time they’re in the shower to check themselves.
Because thirty seconds could save a life.
What do you think about Samantha’s message? Have you or someone you know ever put off seeing a doctor because of embarrassment? Share your thoughts below and help spread this vital message.
