A mum said her son didn't need to die aged just 22. Now she is urging people "not take no for an answer" when seeking medical tests. Zac Summers-Cameron died from testicular cancer in November 2025.

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 along with abdominal pain. His family said that during his first GP visit, he was initially diagnosed with an infection and prescribed antibiotics in June 2024.

Almost four months later, when Zac was eventually admitted to hospital, the family discovered he had stage three testicular cancer, which had already metastasised throughout his body. Zac's mum, Clare Summers-Taylor, 58, said her son's death was "a tragedy that should have been avoided". She is encouraging others to ensure they get examined promptly, as testicular cancer has a 96 per cent survival rate when detected early.

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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."

When Zac first visited his GP regarding the swelling and pain in his testicle, doctors initially attributed it to an infection and prescribed antibiotics in June 2024. As time passed, Zac's discomfort worsened and the pain travelled down his leg, leaving him barely able to walk.

Despite further GP visits and two trips to A&E, Zac's mum revealed he was never given a scan. On September 18, 2024, Clare pushed for a private ultrasound scan for Zac, as he was suffering from debilitating pain and had lost a significant amount of weight.

Following the scan results, Zac was immediately admitted to Cheltenham General Hospital on September 23 for further tests. It was not until September 27 that a consultant requested 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 subsequently 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 passed away 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 common cancer affecting younger men in the UK, with approximately 2,400 cases diagnosed annually and 70 deaths. Nevertheless, when detected early it has a high survival rate. Clare is encouraging others to stay persistent and ensure they undergo comprehensive testing if they have worries 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."

Before his death, Zac managed to complete some items on his bucket list by travelling to Amsterdam with his family to watch AFC Ajax play at their home stadium. He was also a passionate sportsman and entrepreneur - having launched his own vintage clothing business called Forty Four Clothing, with 44 being his favourite number. Zac even organised a 44-clothing event two weeks before his death, featuring DJs, food, a bar and clothes for sale, which was 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 planning an event in his honour called 'Zac's 44 Legacy Memorial Match Charity Day' at Old Patesians RFC in Cheltenham, which was scheduled to take place on April 4. It was set to include a rugby match between Zac's friends for the inaugural "Summers-Cameron Cup", alongside live music, DJ sets and raffles and auctions. The event was raising funds for Maggies Centres, a charity that supported the family throughout their ordeal. Clare said Zac would have adored 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."