Men 15-30 years old, it may take just one minute to save yourselves from testicular cancer

Balls’ in Your Court is hosting a campaign in Singapore, being the first and only campaign, that focuses solely on testicular cancer and testicular self-examination (TSE). Led by students from the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the campaign defies social stigmas by openly discussing testicular cancer, a topic that few dare to broach due to its relation to genitalia.

Minimal research about testicular cancer incidence has been done in Singapore. However, according to the Singapore Cancer Registry (2015), there has been a growing trend of its incidence locally over the past decade.

Testicular cancer can affect any person of any age but occurs most commonly in young men aged 15 – 30. Early detection and treatment of the cancer can result in a 95% survival rate.

To detect testicular cancer early, it is recommended for males to perform TSE once they reach puberty. TSE takes only a minute or less, and should be performed on a monthly basis, during or after a warm shower. The warmth ensures that muscles around the testicles are relaxed, making it easier to feel for any strange lumps or textures under the surface of the skin.

In partnership with National Youth Council, Singapore Cancer Society, National Cancer Centre Singapore, and PanAsia Surgery Group, Balls’ in Your Court aims to normalise conversations about health and self-care through campaign messaging that dares to be cheeky without trivialising the severity of cancer.

To reach out to the main target audience of males aged 18 – 30, the team organised outreach efforts at tertiary institutions, shared working spaces, and cancer awareness events. Past and upcoming roadshows include the following:

• Republic Polytechnic – 25 January 2019
• Nanyang Technological University Social Impact Week – 29 and 30 January 2019
• Singapore University of Social Sciences – 31 January 2019
• Run for Hope – 17 February 2019
• WeWork Pantry Takeover – 20 February 2019
• Relay for Life – 2 and 3 March 2019

Event response has been encouraging thus far, with many young males expressing interest in TSE upon hearing that they could be at-risk.