SURVEY REVEALS 60% of men play with their balls every day but over HALF never check for testicular cancer!

​The Robin Cancer Trust, the UK’s only germ cell cancer charity, surveyed 1000 men in the UK aged 18-35 to discover how many men play with their balls and whether or not they are making life-saving checks whilst they are down there. The answer, as the new data reveals, is damning for those most at risk of testicular cancer.

60% of men play with their balls every day
30% claim to never play with their balls
56% don’t know the proper technique for a testicular cancer self-examination
2% of men play with their balls at work
16.9% of men would prefer an anonymous helpline for advice rather than a GP or friends and family

The survey found that although 60% of men admitted to playing with their balls every day, over HALF have never checked themselves for testicular cancer or only check once a year. Shockingly, nearly 30% of men claim never to play with their balls whilst the same number admitted to playing with themselves multiple times a day!

In one worrying statistic, 56% of those surveyed said that they didn’t know the proper technique for checking themselves for testicular cancer, suggesting a severe lack of education or interest from the majority of the male population.

On this point, over 70% of men admitted they don’t think there’s enough information available to teach them about the symptoms of testicular cancer.

Additionally, over 60% feel there aren’t enough resources available to help educate themselves on proper techniques for checking. When asked where men would choose to go for information, the vast majority (45.1%) of men would go to the internet. Only 32.6% would go to a healthcare professional, and 6.9% of men would prefer an anonymous helpline for advice.

Testicular cancer affects over 2,400 men a year in the UK and is the most common cancer in men aged 15 and 45. Symptoms you should look out for are lumps, hardness, swelling, pain or a feeling of heaviness.
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Men should check their balls for any changes in shape or size once a month, and if in any doubt, should get themselves checked out by a doctor. So even those that claim to be checking weekly (20%) are cheating themselves as it’ll be harder to notice harmful key changes! The ideal time to check your testicles is during or after a hot bath or shower. This is when the balls are relaxed, making it much easier to check! Use both hands to check each testicle one at a time by firmly and gently rolling it between your thumb and fingers. Feel for the signs & symptoms of testicular cancer – or anything not normal for you. If in doubt, get it checked out, and repeat every month!

You can find the Robin Cancer Trust’s quick and helpful video guide here: How to Check Your Balls – Testicular Cancer

The Robin Cancer Trust have been raising awareness of germ cell cancers (including ovarian and testicular cancer) through their award-winning digital campaigns and educational programs. They have offered vital support and a friendly community for 10 years. Their upcoming plan to beat the world record for the number of men performing a self-examination is shining a light on how to be proactive regarding testicular cancer and educate people who might not be aware.

Commenting on the survey and upcoming world record attempt, Toby Freeman, Founder & CEO of The Robin Cancer Trust says:

“We are alarmed to see how many men aren’t checking themselves. Testicular cancer is 98% curable if detected early and mostly affects younger men. 2,400 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer every year in the UK – that’s more than six per day, so it is vital we all know how to check, how often to check and that we educate the younger generation that this is a cancer which can and does affect their age group.”

Freeman continued, “At Robin Cancer Trust, we want to bring men together to raise awareness, reduce embarrassment and save lives. That’s why we’re so excited to be launching this world record attempt in November.”

If you’d like to discuss the symptoms of testicular cancer or simply reach out to the Robin Cancer Trust for advice, you can do so here: https://www.therobincancertrust.org/