An unfortunate incident always makes me pause and reflect on two things. First, I think about how my family is so blessed with health, love, and stability. Second, I think about what I can do to prevent a similar unfortunate incident happening to anyone in my family.
Friday, I heard my friend’s sad news. One of her younger brothers (an identical twin) has testicular cancer. He’s 23-years-old and one maybe both his testicles will be removed tomorrow. He had a lump for six months before he ever thought to see a doctor. Now his twin is being screened also.
Testicular cancer occurs most often in men between the ages of 20 and 39, and is the most common form of cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 34.
Our family practice physician is very proactive and has taught the boys how to do a self-exam. I came home Friday night and questioned the boys to make sure they are doing it on a regular basis. I don’t care if they are embarrassed by their mother talking about testicles and scrotums. I will continue to discuss the topic until they are no longer embarrassed and can look me in the eye. That’s when I know they will come to my Sweetie or I if they have questions or find something unusual.
To the men reading this, do you do self-exams? To the women, do your husbands do self-exams? Parents, do your teenage sons know how to perform a self-exam? If not, please have your doctor instruct them.
The Brits seem to be doing a better job with their testicular cancer public service announcements (PSAs) than we do over here. I’ve heard of a billboard campaign that encouraged men to “Check your balls and check them often.” They’ve also done a print campaign with male celebrities posing nude with something strategically placed in front of the important bits. Most recently Adam Levine from Maroon 5 posed for Comso UK.
NOTE: I had to remove the photo of Adam Levine due to all the pervs landing on my blog. If you're looking for eye-candy, go someplace else!
Originally, I planned to only provide the link to Adam’s photo. Mostly because I try to keep my blog PG-13. Also because my husband walked in the den, looked at the computer screen, and exclaimed,
“What the HELL are you looking at!”
Once I explained it was a testicular cancer PSA, he understood what I was doing. But the point of the PSA is to get your attention. Not showing the photo would have defeated that purpose. When talking about your health and the health of your loved ones, the human body shouldn’t be a source of embarrassment.
So whether you have balls or boobs, check 'em and check 'em often. Nudge your spouses and teach your children to do the same.
****
You Turn
Do you do your regular health screenings? Do you make sure your family members do their screenings? What do you think of the bold public service announcement? Does the PSA get your attention?
Friday, I heard my friend’s sad news. One of her younger brothers (an identical twin) has testicular cancer. He’s 23-years-old and one maybe both his testicles will be removed tomorrow. He had a lump for six months before he ever thought to see a doctor. Now his twin is being screened also.
Testicular cancer occurs most often in men between the ages of 20 and 39, and is the most common form of cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 34.
Our family practice physician is very proactive and has taught the boys how to do a self-exam. I came home Friday night and questioned the boys to make sure they are doing it on a regular basis. I don’t care if they are embarrassed by their mother talking about testicles and scrotums. I will continue to discuss the topic until they are no longer embarrassed and can look me in the eye. That’s when I know they will come to my Sweetie or I if they have questions or find something unusual.
To the men reading this, do you do self-exams? To the women, do your husbands do self-exams? Parents, do your teenage sons know how to perform a self-exam? If not, please have your doctor instruct them.
The Brits seem to be doing a better job with their testicular cancer public service announcements (PSAs) than we do over here. I’ve heard of a billboard campaign that encouraged men to “Check your balls and check them often.” They’ve also done a print campaign with male celebrities posing nude with something strategically placed in front of the important bits. Most recently Adam Levine from Maroon 5 posed for Comso UK.
NOTE: I had to remove the photo of Adam Levine due to all the pervs landing on my blog. If you're looking for eye-candy, go someplace else!
Originally, I planned to only provide the link to Adam’s photo. Mostly because I try to keep my blog PG-13. Also because my husband walked in the den, looked at the computer screen, and exclaimed,
“What the HELL are you looking at!”
Once I explained it was a testicular cancer PSA, he understood what I was doing. But the point of the PSA is to get your attention. Not showing the photo would have defeated that purpose. When talking about your health and the health of your loved ones, the human body shouldn’t be a source of embarrassment.
So whether you have balls or boobs, check 'em and check 'em often. Nudge your spouses and teach your children to do the same.
****
You Turn
Do you do your regular health screenings? Do you make sure your family members do their screenings? What do you think of the bold public service announcement? Does the PSA get your attention?
6 comments:
Thanks for PSA. I mean the picture. I mean umm. The British are so much more at ease than we are.
I heard a doctor tell my husband that young guys don't get testicular cancer. We switched PCPs immediately. What an idiot that guy was. I think it's great that you're making your sons aware. Better embarrassed than dead.
So sad. I'll be thinking of him...
And good God, it just got hot in here! Yum.
Yes, well, it's difficult when one's testicles are so large. ;-) Still, point taken.
Cancer sucks, no matter what kind it is. I'm dealing in my own way with terminal cancer in someone I love right now. We never really know how little time we might have. Cancer puts life in perspective...so much of what we thought was important really doesn't matter, but people do.
I didn't know this! I do like the campaign - very attention grabbing! I also like your hubby's reaction, very funny
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