Jack James Ryan feels lucky to be alive after a battle with testicular cancer.
Jack James Ryan has opened up about his battle with cancer as a teenager
The 26-year-old actor - who is best known for his role as Jacob Hay on ITV soap opera 'Coronation Street' - was just 19 when he was diagnosed with the condition, and had surgery to remove his left testicle followed by a course of chemotherapy.
He told The Daily Mirror newspaper: "I was really lucky. The doctors thought I’d literally found the lump within the week that it grew.
"That was why I didn’t need a lot of treatment afterwards. From finding the lump to being on the operating table took just two weeks. They moved so quickly."
Jack had been at drama school at the time of his health scare and was because he was able to return to his studies just four months after the diagnosis and feels "grateful" he was given a second chance at life.
He added: "Every day I get on set I think: ‘Wow, this could have been so different'.
"I don’t take anything for granted anymore. I did before, but I don’t now – I know how lucky I am.
"When I was diagnosed with cancer, I did think there was a possibility I might not make it. But I did and I’m living my dream. I’m just so glad that things turned out well and I’m grateful that I’m here. I’m loving every second of it."
During his first stint on 'Coronation Street', drug dealer Jacob groomed established character Simon Barlow to become part of his gang, on behalf of drug lord Harvey Gaskell - who was played by former 'Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps' star Will Mellor, before returning to the cobbles full-time to strike up a relationship with Faye Windass.
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