Patriots' Nate Solder played all of 2014 after testicular cancer diagnosis

New England Patriots offensive tackle Nate Solder had a routine physical about this time last year, at the start of offseason workouts, and he mentioned that he felt something around his testicle. 

It turned out he had cancer. And because it was detected before it could spread, Solder was able to start all season for the Patriots, including a Super Bowl win.

Solder told his story to ESPN.com to spread awareness of testicular cancer. April is National Testicular Cancer Awareness month.

He told ESPN.com's Mike Reiss that the Patriots ordered an ultrasound, and the cancer was spotted. The cancer hadn't spread, so his testicle was removed.

"I was completely healthy, I'm a professional athlete. It can happen to anybody," Solder told ESPN.com. "Make sure you get yourself checked out, especially young men, because that's who it's really targeted toward."

According to ESPN.com story, the American Cancer Association says that half of all cases of testicular cancer are in men between the ages of 20 and 34.

While Solder wanted to get the word out about testicular cancer awareness, he told ESPN.com that he didn't want the story to be framed as him overcoming odds to win a Super Bowl, because his recovery was quick and he knows others who need much more significant surgery and treatments. He had surgery three days after the diagnosis, rested for two weeks and was back on the field by June for the end of the offseason team activities. It was fortunate the cancer was detected early on.

If sharing his story with ESPN.com could help anyone else, it will be worth it.

"The biggest thing is letting people know and giving them the information. And maybe giving people some courage that if they are in a situation like I was, maybe they would go and say something, and that could make a difference," Solder told ESPN.com.

"It's more common than people realize. A lot of people are either afraid to do it, or they don't think it's important enough to get it checked. It's a simple check. Six months, a year, and then it starts spreading and then you start to feel symptoms and it's a more serious situation. So that's a big thing; you can save lives with early detection."

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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdowncorner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @YahooSchwab

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