Man ‘told he had infection’ dead aged just 22

A mother who lost her son to testicular cancer after it was initially believed to be an infection is urging others to « not take no for an answer » when seeking medical tests. Zac Summers-Cameron died from testicular cancer in November 2025, aged just 22.

He was nearing the end of his first year at the University of the West of England in Bristol when he informed his family about a painful and swollen testicle accompanied by abdominal pain. His family revealed that during his initial GP visit, he was told it was an infection and received antibiotic treatment in June 2024.

Almost four months later, when Zac was finally admitted to hospital, the family discovered he had stage three testicular cancer, which had already metastasised throughout his body. Zac’s mother, Clare Summers-Taylor, 58, described her son’s death as « a tragedy that should have been avoided ». She is encouraging others to ensure they receive prompt medical examination, as testicular cancer has a 96 per cent survival rate when detected early.

Clare said: « Zac lit up every room, he was so special. He was the life and soul of his friendship group and our family.

« We are absolutely devastated by his loss and cannot believe he isn’t coming back. It is especially sad to lose someone so young and we want to raise awareness.

« If only he had been scanned earlier and fully checked things could have turned out differently. We don’t want what happened to Zac to happen to anyone else. »

She revealed that when Zac first consulted his GP about the swelling and pain in his testicle, doctors initially attributed it to an infection and prescribed antibiotics in June 2024. As the months progressed, Zac’s discomfort worsened and the pain radiated down his leg, rendering him barely able to walk.

Despite additional GP appointments and two visits to A&E, Zac’s mother said he was never scanned. On September 18, 2024, Clare demanded a private ultrasound scan for Zac, as he was experiencing excruciating pain and had shed considerable weight.

Following the scan results, Zac was immediately admitted to Cheltenham General Hospital on September 23 for further investigations. It wasn’t until September 27 that a consultant demanded a CT scan, she said.

Clare said: « The scan revealed the worst possible news that Zac had advanced testicular cancer, which had spread to his lungs, liver and abdomen. At the time we were told he had a 60 per cent chance of survival. »

Zac then endured 15 months of treatment, including aggressive chemotherapy in Cheltenham, followed by two rounds of high-dose chemotherapy with stem-cell transplants at Bristol Royal Infirmary, but he tragically died on November 27, 2025.

Clare said: « What Zac went through was horrific. The treatment, the constant pain and the side effects were awful.

« For nearly four months his symptoms were in keeping with testicular cancer. The warning signs were there. » Testicular cancer is the most prevalent cancer among younger men in the UK, with approximately 2,400 cases annually and 70 fatalities. However, when detected early, the survival rate is remarkably high. Clare is encouraging others to remain persistent and ensure they undergo thorough testing if they have any concerns about symptoms.

She said: « My advice for other people is ‘don’t take no for an answer’. If you have a lump, a swollen testicle or pain, make them investigate it properly and insist on a scan. Zac was seen by various medical professionals, but testicular cancer wasn’t mentioned. »

Prior to his passing, Zac was able to tick off some of his bucket list by visiting Amsterdam with his family to watch AFC Ajax play at their home stadium. He was also a dedicated sportsman and entrepreneur – having established his own vintage clothing business called Forty Four Clothing, with 44 being his favourite number. Zac even organised a 44-clothing event just two weeks before he died, featuring DJs, food, a bar and clothes for sale, attended by his friends and loved ones.

Clare said: « Everyone who loves Zac came together to celebrate his life and spend time with him. It was so special. »

Zac’s friends have been arranging a tribute event in his memory called ‘Zac’s 44 Legacy Memorial Match Charity Day’ at Old Patesians RFC in Cheltenham, which was scheduled to take place on April 4. The event was set to feature a rugby match between Zac’s friends for the inaugural « Summers-Cameron Cup », alongside live music, DJ sets, raffles and auctions.

The event was raising funds for Maggies Centres, a charity that provided vital support to the family throughout their ordeal. Clare remarked that Zac would have thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.

She added: « He would be the first one on the dance floor. We are touched by the love shown by his friends and the local community.

« We are looking forward to sharing our memories of Zac and celebrating his life. It’s just so sad he can’t be there because he would love it.

« He had such a bright future ahead of him and wanted his own family more than anything. We all miss him so much. »