2/3s of men don’tknow how to check for signsof testes cancer

A new survey of 3000 men, released this month by UK male cancer charity Orchid, reveals that 88 per cent of men nationwide recognise that a lump in the testes could be a sign of testicular cancer – but worryingly, men still aren’t acting on their knowledge.

Sixty-eight per cent of men in Northern Ireland admit that they don’t know how to check themselves and around half (54 per cent) would shy away from showing their GP if they discovered a lump.

Orchid Chief Executive Rebecca Porta says: “Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged between 15-45 years, with around 2200-2300 men being diagnosed each year.

“Awareness of the disease has improved in the past 5 years, but these findings show that vital life-saving health messages still aren’t reaching the vast majority of men.

“We’re calling on Northern Irish men to take a few minutes to learn how to carry out simple self checks and recognise the early warning signs and symptoms. Getting an early diagnosis is vital - if caught early, testicular cancer can be 98% curable. It is crucial that men feel comfortable seeking professional advice straight away if they have any concerns or worrying symptoms.”

Orchid launched its first confidential, freephone Male Cancer Helpline on April 7, 2014. Those who have concerns relating to male specific cancers will be able to seek specialist advice and support from a team of male cancer information nurse specialists every Monday and Wednesday from 10am-5pm on 0808 802 0010. The Nurse Specialists can also be contacted via a new email service at [email protected]”