In collaboration with male cancer charity Orchid, I’d like to help their #CheckYourChaps campaign to raise awareness. As a wife and a daughter, I believe women should provide encouragement and support to the men in their lives to check themselves for the signs of testicular cancer.
The charity have just completed surveying the British public, revealing that on average only 32% of men are regularly checking themselves. Young men are even less likely to check themselves (only 1 in 4 do!) which is worrying as testicular cancer most commonly affects those aged between 15 and 45.
Each year, around 2,200 men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer and 60 young men will die of the disease. But that doesn’t need to be the case. If it is caught early, the cure rate is over 98%, so the best way to fight testicular cancer is simply to check regularly.
How to #CheckYourChaps:
1. Check the entire surface of each testicle separately, and carefully. After a shower is best, when everything is relaxed
2. Roll each testicle between the thumb and forefinger to check that the surface is free of lumps or bumps. Do not squeeze!
3. Get to know your balls; their size, texture, anatomy, magnificence. Identify the epididymis or sperm collecting tube, often mistaken for an abnormal lump that runs behind each testicle
4. Having your partner check too is always a good thing as they may be more likely to notice any problems and help give you the support to get you to do something about it
If you feel any abnormality on the testicle, you should go to your doctor and get it checked at the earliest opportunity.
How you can support Orchid during Male Cancer Awareness Month:
You can show your support for Orchid by buying the ‘The Meaning of Husbands’ book, a new addition to the popular ‘The Meaning of Everything’ series. £1 from each sale goes straight to Orchid and the entertaining quotes and many valuable life lessons have been inspired by husbands (and wives) all over the world. Get your copy from: The meaning of a husband
