A Suffolk cancer charity is urging Ipswich men to check their “baubles” this Christmas or get someone close to do it for them!

Cancer Campaign in Suffolk is launching the festive message hoping men will take a moment to check their testicles for anything unusual, a lump or a bump.

Ipswich Star: Check your baublesCheck your baubles

The charity’s CEO Mark Murphy MBE said: “Men are notoriously bad at looking after themselves and we hope this light-hearted campaign will encourage men to check their testicles for anything unusual”.

"The earlier you detect something, the better your chances of it being treated successfully. Testicular cancer is highly treatable, even when it spreads to other parts of the body."

Mark adds: “Most men will be getting some new underpants or boxer shorts this Christmas, so as you pull them on, just have a little feel of your baubles or if you’re getting saucy under the mistletoe, get a loved one to do it for you”.  

Ipswich Star: Under the mistletoe, you could ask a loved one to check for youUnder the mistletoe, you could ask a loved one to check for you

The charity is keen to encourage more men to look after themselves and check for anything unusual.

Testicular cancer can happen at any age, but most often between the ages of 15 and 45.

Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer

· A lump or swelling in either testicle

· A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum

· A dull ache in the lower belly or groin

· Sudden swelling in the scrotum

· Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum

· Enlargement or tenderness of the breast tissue

· Back pain

When to see a doctor 

If you detect any symptoms that last longer than two weeks, contact your GP.

For more information visit www.ccis.org 

If you would like support from Cancer Campaign in Suffolk, you can call into 56-58 St Margaret's Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 2BD on Tuesdays – Thursdays from 10am till 2pm. You can also email theteam@cancercampaigninsuffolk.co.uk or call 01473 211884.