Talking Balls

There are certain things men don't like to talk about, but testicular cancer shouldn't be one of them.

Friends of the Cancer Centre is calling on men across Northern Ireland to start Talking Balls and get in the habit of checking their testicles every month.

As part of our Talking Balls campaign, we have produced our very own self-check card, with a step-by-step guide on how men can check their testicles. The card was produced with the expert advice of Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Testicular Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist, Melanie McNally.

Talking Balls self-cards shared across Northern Ireland

Aaron's Story

"I am incredibly proud to be an ambassador for Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Talking Balls campaign and by sharing my story, I know it will make a difference to someone out there and hopefully save a life.”

Stephen's Story

“I used to be one of those men who didn’t talk about my health or anything private, but now I will openly tell any man to check themselves regularly as I know it could save a life."

Daniel's Story

“Lads, we spend our lives making fun of and joking about our balls. Don’t hide them away when it really matters. I'd rather be sitting here with one testicle than not at all."

men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year in Northern Ireland

44%

of testicular cancer cases in Northern Ireland are in men below the age of 35. Testicular cancer typically affects men between the ages of 15-49

98%

of men diagnosed with early stage Testicular Cancer survive for more than five years - so early detection is key!

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Mel McNally

Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Testicular Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist

“Specialising in care for men affected by testicular cancer, I know how vital it is that they are provided with physical, mental and emotional support. Our patient cohort will primarily come from the 15-49 age bracket, and for young men, a cancer diagnosis can be particularly difficult to deal with.

“Testicular cancer has one of the highest survival rates of any cancer in NI, and the outcomes are extremely good if it is caught early. I know that the support I offer to men and their families will equip them to recover from their experiences.”