Leading national cancer charities, Orchid and CoppaFeel!, are launching a new campaign to deliver breast and testicular cancer education in schools as the Department of Education prepare to put health education on the national curriculum.
‘Balls, Boobs, Pecs – They all need a check’, is aimed at informing young people about the importance of getting to know their bodies and noticing any unusual changes that may be breast or testicular cancer.
The campaign follows new public polling by the charities that reveals significant support for cancer education in secondary schools.
The survey of 1000 Brits, concerning secondary education, showed that:
- 69% think cancer education should be mandatory
- 73% think that young people should be signposted to information about breast and testicular cancer
- Only 21% think schools already have enough resources to start conversations about cancer with pupils
Research from the charities shows that regular checking is still not something the majority of young people do, despite it helping to aide detection of new irregularities or abnormalities. In women aged 18-29 only 30% report regularly checking their breasts and in men aged 16-35, only 24% report regularly checking their testicles.
The Department of Education has highlighted the importance of health education and intend to include it in the national curriculum from 2020 with teaching expected to begin from September 20195. Orchid and CoppaFeel! have partnered to launch ‘Balls, Boobs, Pecs – They all need a check’ which will provide schools and teachers with the information they need to advise and advertise the importance of self-checking when it comes to breast and testicular cancers. The campaign will see posters distributed to thousands of schools and teachers and promoted on social media, as well as available to download from the charities’ websites.
Rob Cornes, Orchid Male Cancer Information Nurse Specialist says:
“I’ve spoken to too many parents who were shocked their son got the testicular cancer at such a young age and wished they’d encouraged them to check for lumps, that’s why it is so important to get into schools and educate young men about their risk, the signs and symptoms and what to do if they find anything”.
Kris Hallenga, CoppaFeel! Founder explains:
"CoppaFeel! was started to ensure young people are equipped with the tools and knowledge to detect cancer early, as 1 in 2 of us will face a cancer diagnosis during our lifetime in the UK. I was diagnosed at 23 with secondary breast cancer and had never been told to check my boobs. CoppaFeel! aims to right this wrong and start conversations with all young people about the importance of knowing their bodies. We are pleased to be able to create a joint resource with Orchid to help teachers talk boobs and balls with their students"