New Research: Time To Hold Your Own Boys!

<p>Ok, how would you feel if I told you to go ahead and cop a feel? Go ahead and pop your hand in and roll them both around… get a grip and give ‘em a good feel!</p> <p>By Chris jones | 5th April 2014</p><p></p><p> </p><p><img src="http://www.thegayuk.com/communities/8/004/009/928/388/images/4608234347.jpg" width="459" height="325" alt="Holding Your Own - Orchid " title="Holding Your Own - Orchid "/></p> <p></p><p>It’s Male Cancer Awareness Week from 7th to 13th April 2014 - and to mark this occasion, there’s some startling new research available.</p><p></p><p>Orchid, the male cancer charity has surveyed 3000 men, and the alarming fact is that those most at risk from testicular cancer are single office workers!</p><p></p><p>So here’s the deal, marry someone and get a new job, or be ahead of the game and get in there and rummage! Learn what to do, and when to do it - learn what you feel like now, and use this to ensure you pick up on any changes, any new lumps n bumps. It could be a life saver!</p><p></p><p>Some surprising insights in the research include single men being less likely to recognise the symptoms and signs of testicular cancer, office workers being less likely to check themselves, tabloid readers being more likely to be switched on and check for lumps, 1 in 3 men would tell their mum or partner if they found a lump - rather than their GP! </p><p></p><p>That last one - seriously? Come on men – what’s your mum going to do? Kiss it better? Pop a plaster on it? Time to get real - if you find something, only a medical professional can do something! My favourite piece from this research is that London men are less ball aware than other areas of the UK? Really? And here was I thinking… no, never mind…</p><p></p><p>Orchid states that awareness of this type of cancer has improved over the past few years, but the findings illustrate that a large number of men still don't know what to look for or how to protect themselves. If it’s caught early, this type of cancer is 98% curable - so get in there and feel a friend today. Just tell them you're saving their life!</p><p></p><p>To help ensure that happens, and help educate men out there, Orchid are launching their first freephone Male Cancer Helpline on 7th April. This Helpline is staffed 10am to 5pm every Monday and Wednesday - give ‘em a tinkle on 0808 802 0010 with your questions - or email them on helpline@orchid-cancer.org.uk</p><p></p><p>Orchid isn't just about testicular cancer; it also looks at prostate and penile cancers, supporting research and campaigns to help raise awareness. This charity was set up by a testicular cancer patient and focuses on the effect of cancer on men. Give them some support if you can.</p><p></p><p>So boys, do your research, Google how to check yourself, get a friend to check you, arm yourself with some knowledge - and make sure you’re ball aware! Who knew ball games could be such fun?</p><p></p><p> </p>