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This Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, we've unveiled new research that shines a spotlight on young men and their testicles, as part of our campaign to encourage men to regularly check themselves and ‘Know Thy Nuts’.

The research

This research, across 1000 men in the UK, revealed that 61% of men weren’t aware that testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men aged 15 – 40.

In addition, a fifth (20%) admitted that they wouldn’t feel confident knowing how to check their nuts, with three in seven (43%) saying they probably would resort to looking online.

Furthermore, over half (61%) claimed they’d make an appointment to see their doctor, with 20% sharing with a family member they trust.

When asked about the barriers to why men wouldn't openly go and seek help from a doctor if they notice something out of the ordinary with their testicles, nearly a quarter (24%) said they wouldn’t due to embarrassment, with almost one in five (19%) not going until it got really serious.

So what do men check?

When asked about the things men check more frequently than their own testicles, social media notifications came out on top - with 65%, three in five (59%), claiming to check their email inbox, and nearly half (48%) admitting to checking their phone battery more so than their own testicles.

Top 10 things men check more frequently than their own testicles:

• Social media notifications - 65%
• Email inbox - 59%
• Bank balance - 54%
• Phone battery percentage - 48%
• Weather forecast - 46%
• Sell by dates On Food - 39%
• News updates - 35%
• Sports scores or transfer news - 33%
• Reflection in mirrors or windows - 30%
• Online shopping deals or discounts - 27%

Get to know your nuts

While the testicular cancer is very treatable, early detection is critical. No pair is exactly the same. Getting to know what is normal is the first step and young men should make sure they take the time to get to know their nuts.

A hot, steamy shower is a great place to start.

Step 1: Steam

Warm up in a steamy shower. This relaxes and loosens your nuts, getting them ready to be checked.

Step 2: Roll

With your thumb and finger, roll one testicle to get to know what’s normal for you. Check for any changes or anything painful.

Step 3: Repeat

Now repeat with the other nut.

Boys and men should carefully and gently roll each testicle, one at a time between their thumb and finger, checking for any changes or anything that doesn’t feel normal for them.

If something hurts or feels different like a lump or swelling, it’s important to make the time to get it checked out by a doctor. 

Movember’s globally leading digital resource, created by experts called Nuts and Bolts is specifically aimed at providing boys and men with the resources and tools to confidently handle their cancer journey.

Movember supporter and TV star, Pete Wicks said:

“It’s no secret men in general can do a better job of looking after themselves, me included. I held off from seeing the doctor for over three months after finding a lump on my testicle because of fear that it could be something more serious. I didn’t tell anyone, not even my mum because I didn’t want to be a burden. But I made the step, and you know what I was fine. And often that is the case, but it’s important check your nuts regularly because you can’t take any risks.

That’s why I’ve teamed up with Movember, to get men to be more proactive about their health, and spot anything unusual down below early doors. Everyone knows their body, and If you notice a change in size or shape to your testicle, a lump that wasn't there before, or if they become painful to touch, see a doctor."

Movember CEO, Michelle Terry said:

"The reality is that 71% of boys and men are unaware that testicular cancer is the number one cancer in young men with nearly half (45%) of men are not confident they know how to check their own testicles. Through Movember's dedication to raising awareness of testicular cancer, we want to continue to encourage and empower men with the knowledge and resources they need to Know Thy Nuts. We want men to get to know their nuts, know when something changes and seek help.”