Cancer survivor: Don't ignore warning signs

Bryan Heins has some simple and direct advice for men: Check yourself regularly for testicular cancer, and if you discover a lump, waste no time in getting to the doctor.

In October, Heins went to his own physician with just such concerns. He soon learned that he was in the second of three stages for this disease, which typically affects men like him in their early 20s.

After undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, additional abdominal tumors were discovered and removed, along with the surrounding lymph nodes. 

Heins had two surgeries, intensive chemotherapy and other treatments, and will have frequent CT scans to monitor the cells.

His most recent tests have shown he's making good progress in his recovery. He plans to continue his construction management studies at UW-Platteville this fall.

While it's been a tough experience, Heins said he often reminds himself that that are lots of people -- including many he's met -- who are far worse often. Heins chooses to remain positive.

This weekend, he will be one of two honorary co-chairs for Sun Prairie's Relay for Life, an annual event to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

The other co-chair is Mike Powers, a prostate cancer survivor. (See article.)

Pictured: Bryan Heins (center) with his family: Greg and Angie Heins, and Crystal and Darin Gardner of Sun Prairie.

Learn more about this year's Relay for Life event.