by Staff writer
South Africa’s Rugby stars are flooding Instagram with pictures of them wearing just underwear.
It may seem weird, like many things men do, but trust me, this one is for a good reason.
It all started when team-mate Faf de Klerk, famous for once celebrating a game victory wearing just pants, threw a challenge at other team members.
The challenge is to encourage men to regularly check their testicles for early signs of testicular cancer.
Quoting Faf de Klerk, men should get “ballsy enough to check on their crown jewels” for signs of testicular cancer.
Though not classed as one of the “big five cancers affecting men”, testicular cancer is particularly common in younger men, aged between 15 and 49.
The challenge now dubbed the #FafChallenge is a partnership with Cipla South Africa.
The pharmaceutical company runs a website offering guidelines on how to self-examine unusual lumps in testicles. The website also provides a factsheet on testicular cancer.
A spokesperson for the company said they were hoping the challenge will draw similar attention like women’s breast checks for breast cancer.
The right way to examine your testicles for cancer signs
1. Hold one testicle between the thumbs and fingers of both hands and roll it gently between your fingers
2. Look and feel for any hard lumps, or smooth, rounded bumps, or any change in the size, shape, or consistency of the testicles
3. Repeat with your other testicle
Most men’s testicles are around the same size, although it’s common for one to be slightly bigger than the other or hang lower.
There might be something wrong if you find a hard lump on the front or side of a testicle, if a testicle is swollen, or if there’s pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum.
The most common sign of testicular cancer
Typical symptoms are a painless swelling or lump in one of the testicles, or any change in shape or texture of the testicles.
The swelling or lump can be about the size of a pea, but may be larger.
Most lumps or swellings in the scrotum are not in the testicle and are not a sign of cancer, but they should never be ignored.
Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice any irregularity.
Most medical conditions are easier to treat when discovered early.
