It may be a hard statement to read but that's exactly how Anthony Baillie describes his situation as he battles cancer.

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month and he is determined to shine a light on a subject that he said many people shun away from.

Mr Baillie is one of more than 800 Australian men who are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year, data from the Cancer Council shows.

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"I was fit and healthy right up to when I wasn't," Mr Baillie said.

Fitness and health was something he was already very conscious of, not only because of his role as a firefighter with Fire and Rescue NSW, but because of his family.

He is father to two - Georgia, 11, and Tyler, 15, - and husband to Rachelle.

His cancer diagnosis came following a heart-stopping discovery while he was in the shower last November, which by the way is the best way to check yourself for testicular cancer.

"Six years ago I had a calcium build up [on his testicles] which scared the hell out of me, but it was treated with drugs and cleared up," he said.

"I just thought that'd come back, but the doctor I went to said 'I'll send you for an ultrasound to check' and that's when they found a lump."

Surgery followed and, because one of his lymph nodes was swollen, three months of chemotherapy.

For many people a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment can be a time of grave fear and uncertainty, but Mr Baillie said he was determined to fight it his way - with a positive attitude, smiles and laughs.

"I've been positive the whole way though," he said.

"I am lucky at the age I am that we [already] had the kids."

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He has only worked a couple of weeks since his diagnosis, but said his firefighting friends have been a constant source of support and much-needed joking around.

While at home, his family have rallied - they have laughed, raised funds for testicular cancer research and assisted him as he battled fatigue, nausea and indigestion during his chemotherapy.

"She's [Rachelle] been around the whole time, she's been amazing. She's had to step up and do everything because I wasn't able to do anything," Mr Baille said.

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Men are encouraged to check their testicles each month and if they notice any changes in size, shape or if there is pain to consult their doctor.

"It is important to get to know the regular look and feel of your testicles and let your doctor know if you notice anything unusual," the Cancer Council website states.

Find out more about testicular cancer or see what Movember has to say.

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