A new health campaign is calling on men to swap their screen time for a life-saving self-check, after figures revealed that almost a quarter of men in the region never check themselves for signs of testicular cancer.
The warning comes from HECK! Food, the sausage and burger firm based near Bedale, and testicular cancer charity Cahonas, who have launched the CHECK! campaign this November for Men’s Health Month.
They commissioned a YouGov poll that found while 73% of men in the region check their phones multiple times a day, only 16% check their testicles weekly, and 24% admitted they never check at all.
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 34, with approximately 2,400 cases diagnosed annually in the UK. Early detection significantly boosts the chances of a full recovery.
Ritchie Marshall, founder and CEO of Cahonas, said: “We spend half our lives glued to our phones, scrolling through endless updates, but barely a minute checking what really matters.
“At Cahonas, we want men to put down the phone and have a quick check of their testicles to make sure everything is as it should be. It only takes a minute, but that minute could save your life.”
To tackle the reluctance to check, HECK! has launched its Ball Bus-ter Tour — a bright pink minibus featuring a giant chicken.
The bus will offer men the chance to speak with a nurse and Cahonas members for advice on self-checks and early detection.
The campaign is deeply personal for HECK! co-founder Jamie Keeble, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2015.
“This research shows that awareness is key, which is why we’re launching our campaign and taking our pink bus out on the road,” said Mr. Keeble. “Testicular cancer is on the rise and men can reduce their chances of dying simply by knowing what to feel for.
“I found a small lump and immediately went to my GP and received my diagnosis. Even though a lot of stigma surrounds going to the doctor for such an intimate area, it’s vital to be proactive if you find a lump. I’m now fully recovered and my wife and I have a child – something I’m incredibly grateful for.”
HECK! is backing the campaign by temporarily rebranding its chicken sausage packs from HECK! to CHECK! for the month of November. The packs feature the message “Don’t be a chicken – check!” and include a QR code linking directly to life-saving information on the Cahonas website.
A portion of proceeds from every CHECK! pack sold at major supermarkets will be donated to the charity.
The CHECK! chicken sausage packs will be available throughout November at Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Waitrose.
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