November, often associated with chilly weather and the beginning of the festive season, is also a time for raising awareness about important health issues, most notably Movember, a global movement dedicated to men’s health. While November brings joy in the form of holidays and celebrations, it also shines a spotlight on serious concerns such as testicular cancer, a disease that many men may not think about until it hits close to home.
This year, family food manufacturer Heck is taking a proactive role in the fight against testicular cancer, spurred by a personal experience within their own family.
Table of Contents
Heck’s Commitment to Raising Awareness and Funds
Heck, known for their gluten-free sausages and innovative food products, has rebranded themselves as cHeck for the month of November. The change is more than just cosmetic; it reflects a deeply personal commitment. Earlier this year, co-founder Jamie Keeble, the eldest son of the Keeble family, discovered a cancerous lump in his testicle. Thankfully, Jamie caught it early and received successful treatment. His experience has led the Keeble family and their company to join the Movember movement with the goal of raising £25,000 for research into testicular cancer prevention and cure.
To contribute to this important cause, Heck is donating 5% of the sales from their popular Chicken Italia sausages during November. These sausages, like many other Heck products, are gluten-free and cater to a wide variety of dietary preferences. With this incentive, Heck is not only encouraging people to enjoy their delicious products but also to support a critical cause that affects men around the world.
What Every Man Should Know About Testicular Cancer
While Heck’s initiative is commendable, it’s crucial for men to understand the importance of self-checking for testicular cancer. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 49, but the good news is that it has a high survival rate, especially when detected early. The key to early detection is knowing what to look for and regularly performing self-examinations.
How to Check for Testicular Cancer
Perform Regular Self Exams
The best time to check your testicles is after a warm shower or bath, when the skin of the scrotum is relaxed. You should feel each testicle one at a time using both hands. Place your index and middle fingers under the testicle while your thumbs rest on top. Gently roll each testicle between your fingers, feeling for any lumps or irregularities.
Know What to Look For
While it’s normal for one testicle to be slightly larger or hang lower than the other, you should be on the lookout for any unusual changes. These include:
- A lump or swelling in either testicle
- A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
- A sudden build up of fluid in the scrotum
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum Any of these symptoms warrant a visit to your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection can make all the difference.
Don’t Panic
Most lumps or irregularities you may find are not cancerous. However, it’s always better to be safe and get checked by a healthcare professional if you notice anything unusual.
How You Can Support the Cause
Heck’s efforts to raise awareness and funds are an example of how businesses can leverage their platforms to make a real difference. But they can’t do it alone. You can support their mission by purchasing Chicken Italia sausages and contributing to their £25,000 goal. Additionally, here are a few more ways to get involved:
- Grow a Moustache – The traditional Movember moustache is a fun and visible way to start conversations about men’s health and raise funds for research. Whether it’s a full handlebar or a modest stubble, every bit of facial hair helps to keep the issue at the forefront.
- Raise Awareness on Social Media – Use your platforms to share information about testicular cancer and encourage men to perform self-exams. The more awareness, the better chance we have of catching cancer early.
- Donate Directly – If you’re not into sausages or moustaches, you can always make a direct donation to Movember or other charities dedicated to testicular cancer research.
Conclusion
Testicular cancer is a disease that no man should take lightly. With early detection, the chances of survival are high, but it all starts with awareness and regular self-checks. Thanks to initiatives like Heck’s cHeck campaign, raising funds for research and bringing attention to this important issue becomes easier.
So, whether you’re enjoying some Heck Chicken Italia sausages or spreading the word about men’s health, remember that small actions can have a big impact. Support local businesses, raise awareness, and most importantly, encourage the men in your life to take care of their health. Together, we can make strides toward a future where testicular cancer is diagnosed early and treated successfully.
Find out other ways in which you can help raise awareness for testicular cancer and donate to this cause here
