A CURE for testicular cancer "is almost a reality", with almost all sufferers beating the disease, according to a leading expert.

New figures revealed by Cancer Research show that 96% of men with testicular cancer are now cured, showing a rise of almost 30% in the last 40 years.

Highlighting the importance of research in fighting the disease, the figures support the charity's Beat Cancer Sooner campaign, which encourages people to support the charity.

Every year 230 in Scotland are diagnosed with testicular cancer, including ex-Celtic star Alan Stubbs who overcame the disease twice in two years.

Alex Watson, a shop-owner from Bishopbriggs, is backing the campaign after being diagnosed with the disease when he was 23.

Now 41, he said: "I feel I was incredibly fortunate to be cured and survive testicular cancer.

"Years ago, testicular cancer is something that you wouldn't have survived. I knew of someone who was diagnosed at the same time as me who died from the disease.

"It's so good that people are getting the all-clear and are surviving, but I do think more needs to be done in terms of making sure people get better and kinder treatments."

After being diagnosed, Mr Watson undertook radiotherapy and had surgery to clear him of cancer, but last year he started to develop osteoporosis as a result of low testosterone levels.

He was treated at Stobhill Hospital and now receives hormone injections every 10 weeks, helping to reverse the weak-bone condition.

He said: "Having the new treatment has made a phenomenal difference. I feel my general health is a lot better and I have a lot more energy.

"Treatments are getting better all the time and that means the world to people like me who are living longer with the consequences of cancer.

"There's so much more to be done, which is why it's important that people continue to support Cancer Research UK and its scientists to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured."

Mr Watson credits his survival to the charity's scientists, who have helped to develop drugs, including cisplatin to fight the disease.

Cancer Research UK's chief executive, Dr Harpal Kumar, said the chemotherapy drug was a "clear success story in cancer research". He added: "This is helping almost all men with testicular cancer to beat the disease and is a shining example of what we can achieve through dedicated research.

"It's important we recognise the 4% who aren't surviving the disease, as well as the fact that we still need treatments to be kinder to patients."

Regular self-checking and visiting the doctor early "gives the best chance of a cure" said Martin Leadwick, head information nurse at Cancer Research UK.

He said: "The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a lump or swelling in one of the testicles.

"Although most lumps in the testicle won't turn out to be cancer, it's important you get symptoms checked out as early as possible,

"Get used to how the testicles look and feel normally and if you notice a lump, swelling or persistent discomfort then go and see your GP."

l Information is available from the charity's website, www.cancerresearchuk.org, or freephone 0808 800 4040.

Treatments are getting better and that means the world to people like me who are living with the consequences of cancer