Jesse Solomon says testicular cancer was 'one of the better things that's ever happened to me'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jesse Solomon calls testicular cancer "one of the better things that's ever happened to me" five years after his diagnosis. On an episode of the Bravo series on Thursday, February 29, the newest 'Summer House' star opened up about his health and revealed to his housemates that the experience changed "everything" about his entire perspective on life.

"When you're on your ass and you can't get up to piss, and your brother and your dad lift you up, you're like, 'Wow,' " the 31-year-old recalled, adding "It definitely puts everything into perspective and makes you realize the importance of family and your friends, who's there for you and who is not."

Jesse Soloman is a two-time cancer survivor

Soloman is actually a two-time cancer survivor. He was first diagnosed with testicular cancer in August 2017 during a routine check-up. "I was just like, 'Let me get an STD check," he said, as per People. "The first time they called me they were like, 'Hey you need to come back to the hospital right now,' And I was like, 'Oh f---, I have chlamydia!,'" he added.

Solomon said he felt "totally fine" after having one of his testicles removed but another check-up found that the cancer had spread to his stomach.

"The first time I was diagnosed with cancer it was weird because it was like, 'Did I just have cancer?' I just had a quick surgery. It was serious, obviously, but I didn't feel like a cancer survivor," he said on 'Summer House', going on to note that the second time, he underwent chemotherapy and "the whole thing."

1 of every 250 males develop testicular cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 of every 250 males will develop testicular cancer at some point during their lifetime, with 9,760 new cases of testicular cancer estimated to be diagnosed this year, which is a significant surge in the United States over the past several decades. The death rate is estimated to be about 500 men.

The disease is largely one of young and middle-aged men, with the average age of males being diagnosed at 33. Only 6% of cases occur in children and teens, and about 8% occur in men older than 55. Testicular cancer or its treatment can affect fertility. "In some cases, if one testicle is left, fertility returns after the testicular cancer has been treated," the ACS said.

Bravo viewers will see more of Solomon's story play out over the course of the 'Summer House' season. "My [five-year] check-up is mid-August, so hopefully we'll all be together," he said on Thursday, February 29.