Safety Spotlight – An interview with cancer survivor Paul Patrikis

April 1, 2025

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. Health and Safety Committee member and South Spartanburg Fire District Division Chief Alex Long interviewed Simpsonville Fire Department Lieutenant Paul Patrikis to discuss Paul’s cancer journey and the importance of early detection.

Several years ago, Paul woke up one morning and found a lump on one of his testicles. He immediately went to the doctor to figure out what was going on.

“I got an ultrasound, and I was in emergency surgery pretty quick after they found out it was a tumor,” Lt. Patrikis recalls. Despite the type of tumor being extremely rare, Lt. Patrikis did not have to undergo chemotherapy and has two children since his cancer diagnosis.

“I’m very fortunate that I was able to find it early and took the actions and the right steps early to get it taken care of,” he continues.

“Testicular cancer is one of the main cancers that affects firefighters. Make sure you check yourself at least monthly,” Chief Long concludes.