By Hibernian FC

HIBS BECOMES FIRST CLUB IN SCOTLAND TO PLEDGE TO CHECK THEIR BALLS

Hibernian FC has joined forces with Cahonas Scotland to raise awareness for testicular cancer - and the club has pledged to encourage every male player and supporter to perform regular self checks.

As part of the club’s partnership with consumer lifestyle brand and leading grooming company MANSCAPED™, Hibs will launch a series of initiatives throughout the season to make sure their players and supporters are doing everything they can to lessen the devastating effects of testicular cancer.

To launch the partnership, stars Lewis Stevenson and Kevin Dabrowski took a break from training, donned Cahonas Scotland t-shirts, and issued a plea to supporters to check themselves regularly.

Lewis Stevenson said: “I always look out for my teammates, that’s why I’ll be reminding them to check their balls regularly! Hopefully other clubs will look at this partnership and join Hibs in encouraging all their male players and supporters to check their balls. If this can help even one family avoid tragedy, it will be a far greater achievement than anything we could ever do on the pitch."

“I’m extremely proud to be part of a campaign which could change lives by helping to raise awareness of testicular cancer to men in Scotland.”

Testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in young men in the UK, but if detected in its early stages, it’s 98 per cent curable.

Cahonas chief executive Ritchie Marshall has been an activist for testicular cancer awareness for more than 20 years. He believes the partnership could go a long way on reducing the stigma around male anatomy.

He said: “Football is such a huge part of life in Scotland, and footballers are hugely influential - they’re role models to so many young adults. The support of Hibs will help us on our mission to make sure every man in Scotland self-checks regularly. When people know how their balls look and feel normally, detecting changes is easy, and early detection is the best defence against the disease.

“Testicular cancer can have devastating effects for men and their families. With Hibs’ help, we can help make sure that more people in Scotland can avoid tragedy.

Paul Tran, Founder & CEO of MANSCAPED, added “Promoting men’s health and hygiene is at the heart of our brand. Through our longtime partnership with the Testicular Cancer Society, MANSCAPED is dedicated to raising awareness around the importance of early detection and self-screening for testicular cancer, the most common form of cancer among men ages 15 to 35.”

“We’re always looking for new ways to further elevate this message through our sports partnership platform and appreciate the support of the Hibernian and Cahonas communities.”

Hibs will launch initiatives throughout the season, including advertising at Easter Road and educational content with players and club media officials which will be available on Recast and the club’s social media channels. It’s all to spread education and raise awareness about the disease on a global scale.

MANSCAPED has donated this weekend's match ball sponsorship to the charity and Cahonas content will also play on big screens.

For a guide on how to check for testicular cancer, or for more information on how to join, support or donate to the charity visit www.cahonasscotland.org

Click here to find out more about MANSCAPED.

Ends.

For more information contact gregor@wearestoryshop.com / 0781 332 0162

The Testicular Cancer self check guide

If you know how your balls look and feel normally, detecting changes is easy. Catch possible signs of testicular cancer early with this quick monthly check.

When and where?

The easiest way to self-check is standing up, after a hot shower or bath (when the scrotum is relaxed). You might find a mirror helps!

It only takes two simple checks…

Check one

Cup your testicles in the palm of your hand and feel their weight. Often people’s testicles are different sizes, or one hangs lower. But they shouldn’t feel heavier or larger than usual.

Check Two

With both hands, examine one testicle at a time, spending up to a minute on each. Place your index and middle finger underneath the scrotum, and your thumb on top. Gently but firmly, roll each testicle between your fingers and thumb, feeling for lumps or swelling. Each testicle should feel firm, but not hard.

What to look for

  • A hard lump (often pea-sized) on the front or side of a testicle
  • Swelling or enlargement of a testicle
  • Unusual hardness in a testicle
  • Pain, heaviness or unusual discomfort in the scrotum or testicles

Testicles contain blood vessels and tissue that are easily mistaken for abnormalities. You’ll likely encounter the epididymis, a tube that transports sperm from the testes. It feels like a soft rope-like structure on the back of each testicle, towards the top. Don’t worry — it’s meant to be there!

If you find anything unusual, don’t panic. Speak to your doctor. Most symptoms don’t mean cancer — but you should have them checked to make sure.

Notes to editors:

Cahonas Scotland was founded by Ritchie Marshall in 2009. Based at the Titan Enterprise Centre in Clydebank, it is a Scottish charity dedicated to raising awareness about testicular cancer and fundraising.

Cahonas Scotland ambassadors include Outlander star Sam Heughan, Grey’s Anatomy actor Kevin McKidd, and Stuart Hogg, British and Irish Lion and captain of the Scotland rugby team.


For a guide on how to check for testicular cancer, or for more information on how to join, support or donate to the charity visit www.cahonasscotland.org

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