A new awareness campaign is urging men to take just one minute to check for testicular cancer, a disease often overlooked despite being the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 34.
A recent poll revealed that only 36% of men check their testicles for lumps or changes at least once a week. By comparison, 68% regularly check their phones, scrolling through social media or checking sports scores. Alarmingly, 41% of men rarely perform self-checks, and one in five never check at all.
In the UK, around 2,400 cases of testicular cancer are diagnosed each year, according to Nuffield Health. The YouGov survey, which included roughly 2,000 men, was commissioned by HECK! Food. The company’s co-founder, Jamie Keeble, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2015.
To encourage men to check themselves, HECK! has partnered with the testicular cancer charity Cahonas to launch the CHECK! Campaign during Men’s Health Month in November. The initiative promotes early detection and regular self-checks. HECK! has even rebranded its chicken sausage packs from “HECK!” to “CHECK!” with the slogan, “Don’t be a chicken – check.” Each pack includes a QR code linking to life-saving information, and a portion of sales will be donated to Cahonas.
The campaign also includes a “Ball Bus-ter” tour—a bright pink minibus visiting Glasgow, London, and Leeds—where men can speak with Cahonas members about self-checks and early detection.
Ritchie Marshall, CEO of Cahonas, emphasized the importance of taking just a minute for a self-check: “We spend half our lives on our phones, but a minute checking your testicles could save your life.”
Jamie Keeble shared his personal experience: “I found a small lump and immediately visited my GP. Despite the stigma around this area, early action allowed me to fully recover and start a family.”
Men are encouraged to watch for 10 possible symptoms of testicular cancer, some of which are unexpected. The NHS notes that persistent lower back or abdominal pain may indicate cancer that has spread to lymph nodes. Other symptoms include lumps, swelling, or pain in the testicles or scrotum, unexplained weight loss, persistent cough, or difficulty breathing.
Paul McCaffrey, 41, from Glasgow, discovered his cancer after a dull groin ache. Initially embarrassed to see a doctor, he delayed treatment for two months. Eventually, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer that had spread to his lymph nodes. After surgery and chemotherapy, he recovered and now works as a Community Engagement Officer for Cahonas, raising awareness among young men.
Paul says, “For a type of cancer that is highly treatable, self-checks are lifesaving. I encourage all men to know their bodies and act quickly if they notice changes.”
10 Symptoms of Testicular Cancer (NHS):
- Lump or swelling in the testicle
- Enlarged testicle
- Ache or pain in testicle or scrotum
- Scrotum feeling heavy, firm, or hard
- Back pain
- Lower abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent cough
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Sore or swollen chest
Regular self-checks help men notice changes early and seek prompt medical advice.
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