Check your balls mate!
It’s a subject that many of us squirm about, but  a subject that we ALL need to start speaking about. Sadly, over 2,000 men each year in the UK are diagnosed with testicular cancer; it’s the most common type of cancer to affect men between the ages of 15 – 34. And we don’t just mean the boys, everyone should speak up about this cancer, no matter your gender as it could help save the life of your brother, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin or mate.

The good news is, it’s 95% curable if detected early, that’s why we’re working with the Oddballs Foundation to raise awareness, reduce embarrassment & ultimately save lives.

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What is testicular cancer?

Cancer is a disease that occurs when normal, healthy cells which are carefully regulated by the body, begin to reproduce uncontrollably within an area of the body such as the testicles. There are few known strong risk factors for testicular cancer. While most of these cancers occur in unsuspecting individuals, some risk factors can be traced in a minority of cases. These include:

• A brother or father affected by testicular cancer.
• A previous history of testicular cancer.
• Caucasian men have a higher risk of testicular cancer than men from other ethnic groups.
• Men born with an undescended testicle.
• There is some evidence to suggest that men who are taller than average have a slightly increased risk of developing testicular cancer.
• Twins have an increased risk of testicular cancer, especially if identical. But as testicular cancer is rare the risk remains low.

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What are the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer?

• Lumps or bumps and painless swellings (MOST COMMON!)
• Increased firmness
• Dull ache or sharp pain (may come and go)
• Feeling of heaviness

According to The OddBalls Foundation:

“Typical symptoms of Testicular Cancer are a painless swelling or lump in one of the testicles, or any change in shape or texture of the testicles. The swelling or lump can be about the size of a pea but may be larger. Most lumps or swellings in the scrotum are not in the testicle and are not a sign of cancer, but they should never be ignored or overlooked. It is always better to be safe than sorry. It can also cause other symptoms, including an increased firmness, dull ache or sharp pain which may come and go, and a feeling of heaviness. Most importantly, Testicular Cancer may affect each man differently, so if anything doesn’t feel right or doesn’t seem normal, please get in contact with your GP”.

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How to check yourself:

We’re asking you to spend a little time this evening to check in on yourself and your balls. Once YOU have checked, make sure you encourage your MATES to do the same. It’s quick and easy, but it may save your or their life! If you or your mates have any concerns about either testicle, please speak to a Doctor.

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Check Nominate this April.

The Oddballs foundation have launched their Check Nominate campaign this Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. To get involved all you need to do is…

1. Take a photo with 5 fingers up.
2. Upload to your socials using #CheckNominate.
3. Nominate 3 friends to do the same.
4. Make sure to tag @oddballsfdn.