Movember Foundation and GAA want men to take matters into their own hands

The Movember Foundation have teamed up with the GAA to encourage young men to 'get to know their nuts' a little better this April for Testicular Cancer Awareness Month.

Recent studies carried out by the foundation shows that 57% of men aged 18-45 have never performed a testicular self examination or even knew what one war.

This statistic highlights the very real need for men to be MORE informed of they risks and how to check for early signs.

This April, Movember have teamed up with some of the GAA's brightest stars to to highlight the need for men to check themselves regularly.

They have released a series of photos to encourage men to 'have a quick fumble' every now and then, whether it's in the shower or sitting on the couch.

Jason Hughes

Jason is a cancer survivor, former Monaghan senior footballer and multiple championship winner with his club Castleblayney Faughs, where he now helps to drive their annual ‘Operation TransFAUGHmation’ as part of their award winning Healthy Club Project.

Emlyn Mulligan

Emlyn is a Gaelic footballer for County Leitrim.

A top class free-taker, he scored 1-34 in the 2008 National Football League and captained Leitrim to success in the FBD Insurance League.

Off the pitch, Emlyn is a member of an Garda Siochana.

Killian Clarke

Killian is one of Cavan’s most acclaimed players. The Jordanstown student has a background in cross-country running with Shercock Athletics Club.

"I was in the Forrest Gump club with the long hair and all that," he laughs. "It was run 'til you drop!"

Lee Chin

Lee rose to fame as one of the only dual players in the country – playing both hurling and Gaelic football for teams at an inter-county level.

Since making the decision to opt out of the county’s football squad Chin has flourished in half back and midfield roles for the hurlers - one of the leaders now in Liam Dunne’s young team.

“Despite being the most common cancer in young men, testicular cancer is often a forgotten cancer," says Sam Gledhill of the Movember Foundation.

"The reality is that if detected early then testicular cancer is highly curable, so raising awareness of how to check yourself is incredibly important.”

The foundation are encouraging men to take a number of steps this month to help raise awareness of this form of cancer.

• Be aware of the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer.
• Get to know what feels normal for them.
• If they notice something feels unusual or hurts, seek advice from a trusted doctor.
• If they don’t have one already, find a doctor they trust and talk to them about any concerns they have.