A survey by male cancer awareness charity Orchid has revealed that two thirds of men in the UK don’t know how to check themselves for signs of testicular cancer.

The survey also showed single men are less likely to recognise the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer, and that office workers are least likely to regularly check themselves. However, manual workers are most likely to ignore early symptoms of testicular cancer. It also found that one in three men would tell their mum or partner if they found a lump, instead of their doctor.

Orchid’s Chief Executive Rebecca Porta comments: ‘Awareness of testicular cancer has significantly improved over the past few years, but these findings also illustrate that a large percentage of men are still not taking proactive steps to protect themselves. If caught early, testicular cancer can be 98% curable. Sadly, our findings indicate that men who delay seeking an early diagnosis may risk the disease spreading and a poor response to the treatment.

‘We were particularly surprised to find that men working in an office environment with easy access to the internet, social media and a wide range of health information tools were least likely to check themselves. We’re calling on men across the UK to take a few minutes to learn about how to carry out simple self checks and to recognise the early warning signs and symptoms, regardless of their work obligations and pace of life. The earlier they act, the better the outcome.

To encourage men to be more informed about male cancers, Orchid launched a confidential, freephone National Male Cancer Helpline on 7 April 2014. The helpline is staffed by male cancer information nurse specialists every Monday and Wednesday from 10am-5pm on 0808 802 0010. They can also be contacted via an email service.