In 2014, NFL linebacker Alex Singleton did the unthinkable: he failed a drug test because he tested positive for pregnancy.

It sounds like a joke or a lab error, but it was actually a biological warning sign that saved his life. In this episode, I break down the fascinating medical science behind why a male elite athlete would produce hCG (the "pregnancy hormone") and how this "biological cheat code" accidentally revealed a killer hiding in plain sight.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The Science: Why testicular cancer cells mimic pregnancy hormones (hCG) and how they "hack" the body's receptors.

• The Troll: The legendary story of Singleton's "One Ball" celebration against the Commanders (and why the NFL didn't fine him).

• The Cure: How Dr. Lawrence Einhorn and the drug Cisplatin turned a fatal diagnosis into a 99% survival rate.

• The Check: Why your hands are your best medical tool.

Timestamps: (00:00) The Strongest Man in the World? (00:42) The "Lego" Experiment: hCG vs LH (01:55) The "One Ball" Celebration (03:10) How we melt the tumor (Cisplatin) (04:05) How to check yourself

Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.

Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this medical mystery, please leave a 5-star rating!

You rang the bell. You finished the chemo. Everyone tells you that you should be happy. But for many, the reality of "Life After Cancer" is harder than the treatment itself.

In this episode, Dr. Michael Chovanec (Professor of Oncology) debunks the myth that you should just "pick up the pieces" and return to your old self. Instead, he explains why survivorship is a distinct phase of life that requires a new strategy—covering everything from the friends who leave you to the physical side effects (like sexual dysfunction and scanxiety) that we need to stop ignoring.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The "New Normal" Myth: Why trying to go back to who you were before is a mistake.

• The Physical Toll: Addressing fertility, neuropathy, and body image.

• The Silent Struggle: Honest talk about sexual health and "Scanxiety" (the fear of recurrence).

• The Social Shift: Why it’s normal to lose friends after a diagnosis, and how to build a new "Home Team."

• Exercise as Medicine: The science behind why physical activity isn't just a hobby—it's part of your treatment plan to prevent recurrence.

Timestamps:

• (02:15) Reality #1: Physical Changes (Body Image & Fertility)

• (05:30) Reality #2: The Hidden Anxiety & Sexual Health

• (08:45) Reality #3: The Social Shift (Why Friends Leave)

• (10:20) Reality #4: Why Exercise IS Treatment

• (13:10) Reality #5: The Lifelong Journey

Memorable Quote: "Survivorship is not a consolation prize. It’s a second act. It’s a new beginning." — Dr. Michal Chovanec

About the Host: Dr. Michael Chovanec is a Professor of Oncology dedicated to patient education. His goal is to bridge the gap between complex medical science and your daily life, helping you fight cancer—and live life after it—with confidence.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own physician for your specific medical needs.

Episode Summary: Men are taught to be tough and push through pain. But when it comes to prostate cancer, "pushing through" can cost you your life. In this episode, Dr. Chovanec breaks down the 5 specific changes in your body that you cannot afford to ignore.

We often dismiss these symptoms as "just getting older" or a simple infection, but the data tells a different story. Dr. Chovanec reviews a massive Norwegian study of 21,000 men that revealed a shocking link between common urinary symptoms and cancer risk.

What You Will Learn:

• The "Toughness" Trap: Why men delay diagnosis and why vulnerability saves lives.

• The Anatomy: Understanding the prostate without seeing it.

• Sign #1 (Nocturia): Why waking up at night isn't always normal.

• Sign #2 (The UTI Connection): What burning pain really means (and the 4.6x risk factor).

• The "Red Flags": Blood, bone pain, and signs of metastatic disease.

• The Good News: Why the 5-year survival rate is 100%—if you catch it early.

Mentioned in this Episode:

• The HUNT 2 Cohort Study (Norway) on Urinary Tract Symptoms.

• Dr. Lawrence Einhorn and the history of curing testicular/urological cancers.

Connect with Dr. Chovanec:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrChovanec

  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michal-chovanec-44a04139/

• Twitter/X: https://x.com/mikechovanec

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have symptoms, please consult your doctor immediately.