The first, simple to use, step-by-step “check yourself” testicular cancer app has been launched by testicular cancer charity The Oddballs Foundation. With a shocking 16,000 new cases diagnosed in the UK every year, early detection means 95% of males will make a complete recovery. Patron of the Foundation and former Premier League footballer, Stephen Harper said “this is the most common cancer for males aged 18 to 35 and unless we get a reminder, most of us just don’t think about it. Guys, we’ve all got our phones in our hands, so come on, download the app now. It’s so simple, you even get a reminder to check yourself once a month, so you can’t forget. This could save your life, your son’s life, your father or grandson’s life. It’s that important”.
The app has been welcomed by the charity’s legion of supporters, including International Rugby teams, Premier League Football clubs and Celebrities around the world. The charity also help fund a male health programme called “Offload”. This is run by the ‘Rugby Football League’, and is a twelve week programme to educate men in the importance of physical and mental health, with a week dedicated to testicular cancer.
Each month a celebrity will encourage users to check themselves, this will be done through a video on the app. Football hero Alan Shearer is the first celebrity to record his own message, he encourages users to follow the simple steps and get checking. The second months video comes from International rugby referee Nigel Owens.
OddBalls receive emails and messages regularly on how they have helped save lives. William Cooper, MD of OddBalls said “we recently had an email from the parents of an eleven year old boy. He had found a tiny lump after reading the simple check yourself guide on the back of our underwear packaging. Fortunately the lump was removed and he has since made a full recovery. His mum Ellen got in touch to tell us his story and has since downloaded the app. Her son has gone on to encourage his school friends to also check and download it’