21 December 1998
A worrying lack of awareness, the risk of embarrassment and popular misconceptions about testicular cancer have led two stars of the Channel 4 series Hollyoaks to lend their support to the Institute of Cancer Research's (ICR) everyman campaign.
Nick Pickard and Jeremy Edwards, who play Tony and Kurt in the twice-weekly drama about a group of young friends in Chester, are using their experience from the programme's testicular cancer storyline to help convey a number of important messages.
Incidence of the disease, which primarily affects young men between the ages of 20 and 34 are doubling every 20 years. Yet in a recent MORI survey a staggering 80% of men questioned said they knew little or nothing about testicular cancer.
"The Hollyoaks storyline has very accurately addressed many of the issues surrounding testicular cancer," said Professor Colin Cooper of the ICR's everyman campaign.
"Young men with a potential problem feel unable to discuss it with their partner or best friend, never mind a GP. Yet the most common form of testicular cancer has an almost 100% survival rate, it does not affect sexual performance and the risk of infertility is very low.
"In Hollyoaks, the character of Tony was fortunate to have a mate he felt able to confide in, who made him realise that embarrassment was not an option and how important it was to seek medical advice immediately.
"We are sure this storyline will have done much to break down some of the barriers surrounding testicular cancer and help us communicate more effectively to an age group that it is particularly difficult to target with health awareness messages," added Professor Cooper.
Notes to editors:
- Professor Colin Cooper, development director of the ICR's Male Urological Cancer Centre, is available for comment or interview. Requests should be made to The Press Office on 0207 970 6030.
- The ICR everyman campaign was launched in September 1997 to increase awareness of testicular and prostate cancer and to raise funds for the UK's first dedicated research facility into male cancers.
- The ICR promotes a simple self-examination for testicular cancer in a special leaflet that is available by telephoning 0171 352 8188.
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For further information please contact The Press Office on:-
Tel: 0207 970 6030
email: [email protected]
Please note:
Unfortunately the press office are unable to answer queries from the general public. For general cancer information please refer to The Institute's cancer information page.