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New testicular cancer campaign
Premier League footballer Alan Stubbs, cornerstone of Everton's revival this season, is giving his support to the latest health campaign aiming to raise awareness of testicular cancer among men. Twice the 31 year-old former Celtic defender has fought the disease — marking his comeback the second time with a goal against Hibernian at Easter Road. He is backing Sefton Health Improvement Support Service's drive to raise awareness among men on Merseyside - although still relatively rare and curable in 9 out of 10 cases, incidence of testicular cancer has doubled over the last 20 years.
The full press release is printed below. Download A4 poster and leaflet.
There's no Substitute for Testicular Self Examination - Check 'Em Out!
Everton Footballer Alan Stubbs has given the 'thumbs up' to a new Sefton health campaign aiming to raise awareness of testicular cancer among local men. Sefton Health Improvement Support Service is leading the way by producing information leaflets and posters, which have been circulated to a wide range of venues to inform men about the signs and symptoms of the disease and the importance of early detection.
Alan, who has been diagnosed with testicular cancer twice, says 'It is great that this is being highlighted. The leaflet is easy to read and gives all the facts that you need to know.'
Although testicular cancer is comparatively rare, the number of cases has more than doubled over the last 20 years and it is the most common form of cancer in men aged between 15 and 39. However, the good news is that 9 out of 10 men who get the disease are cured.
Alan commented: 'After I was diagnosed it was a shock really but I was told that early detection meant that the chances of recovery were much better. I would encourage blokes to get checked early if they suspect any problems'
Men should check their testicles regularly (about once a month), after a bath or shower when their testicles will be warm and relaxed. Symptoms to look out for include:
- One testicle getting larger than the other.
- A lump in part of one testicle.
- An ache or 'heavy' feeling in one testicle and not the other, that does not go away.
If they discover anything unusual, they should go to their GP immediately. As with most cancers, finding testicular cancer early means that there is a better chance of a successful recovery.
As Alan urged 'It can be cured. Be aware and be sensible. If you think that there may be a problem don't be ashamed to go to your GP to check 'em out!'
Notes for Editors
— Cases of testicular cancer are comparatively rare. In the UK, approximately 1900 new cases are diagnosed every year. Between 1994 and 1998, a total of 41 cases of testicular cancer were diagnosed in Sefton (equating to 10 per year), of which nearly half (42%) were among men aged 20 to 34.
— Although cure rates for testicular cancer are relatively high, in excess of 90% if diagnosed at an early stage, less than 1 in 5 men regularly examine their testicles.
— For further information about the campaign, please contact: Jo McCullagh, Senior Health Promotion Specialist, Sefton Health Improvement Support Service on 0151 479 6550
Footballer Alan Stubbs: 'After I was diagnosed it was a shock really but I was told that early detection meant that the chances of recovery were much better. I would encourage blokes to get checked early if they suspect any problems'.
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