Tyrese Potoma on Movember: Spreading Awareness from Experience

Movember is more than a moustache. For Tyrese Potoma that statement became just that when unfortunate news came prior to the 2021 Saskatchewan Rattlers season. The guard who calls Regina home took a trip to the doctor after experiencing an abnormality, and was later diagnosed with Testicular Cancer. After a surgery, Tyrese is glad to say that he is now in the clear of further treatments. Tyrese Potoma launched his Movember campaign on November 1st 2022 asking for support of his cause. You can donate: here

We connected with Tyrese to chat about his early diagnosis, how he caught the cancer in the early stages, how it feels to be back playing with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, and a whole lot more. Take a minute to read the conversation below.

You received unfortunate news leading up to the 2021 Saskatchewan Rattlers season. Tell us about how you dealt with your diagnosis and your support system.

Tyrese Potoma - When I was first diagnosed with testicular cancer it was such a shock I didn’t even believe it. It took me a couple days to kind of calm my thinking down and process what was happening better, but my support system made that easier. My family and close friends were able to comfort me and support me without over stepping boundaries, which made everything a lot easier for me, but also for them at the same time. I didn’t announce my diagnosis publicly until after I was in the clear of further treatments, so only a small group of people knew about it.

During the month of November, people share the opportunity to shine light on Men’s Health issues through Movember. You now have that opportunity to spread awareness and utilize your outlet. What made you decide that you needed to share your story?

TP - I wanted to spread awareness about testicular cancer because, before it happened to me I didn’t have a clue how to check for it or what it was even. Being a 21 year old student athlete, I never thought I would be sidelined from playing due to something other than an injury. I was lucky enough to have caught my tumour early, and only had to get surgery to clear my body of cancer. Talking to doctors and nurses in this field they said many of the young patients that come in are past just the surgery point, and often have to receive further treatment such as chemotherapy. I want to let other young men know it’s okay to go to the doctor to get something checked out, it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

After 24 hours of your digital Movember campaign, you managed to raise over half of your goal. How did it feel to have such a warm response? Can we surpass your goal?

TP - I wasn’t sure what kind of response I was going to get for the fundraiser, but it blew my expectations away. I had only posted about it once on the first of the month, and have since gotten even closer to the goal. I think I should be able to surpass my target, and I’m very thankful and appreciative to everyone who has supported. I’m happy to be in the position I can raise awareness about testicular cancer to many people.

You are in the heat of your 2021 Huskies season. How does it feel to get back on the hardwood and be a leader on the team?

TP - It’s been great to be back on the court and playing again, especially with my Huskies teammates. Not having a season last year was tough and it feels like it’s been forever since I’ve been able to go out on the court and compete, but I’m thankful we’re back doing what we love. 

Early detection and seeking medical attention played a major role in overcoming your illness, what advice do you have to people that may not understand the importance of men’s health?

TP - My simple advice is if you’re unsure or worried about something health or body wise, get it checked out. If you go get it checked out and it’s nothing at least you know for sure, and if it is something you’ll be glad you did. I believe men are sometimes too prideful and want to deal with everything on their own, or they are too embarrassed to go get themselves checked out for fear of bad news. It’s better to be safe than sorry, no one will look down on you, or see you as weak for taking care of yourself. 

For more information and resources on Men’s Health, Movember, and ways to stay on top of your own health: Visit Movember

Support Tyrese Potoma’s Movember Campaign: here