JOE is proud to be involved with Blue September and here is a little more information on the brilliant cause.
What is Blue September sponsored by Vhi Healthcare?
Blue September is a month long campaign encouraging men to face up to cancer and challenges them to take more responsibility for their own health.
The core aims of raising awareness of men’s cancer and fundraising for men’s cancer charities
First launched in New Zealand in 2008, Blue September has grown into an international fundraising and awareness campaign.
This is Blue September’s third year in Ireland and welcomes Vhi Healthcare as the campaign’s sponsor.
For more information check out www.blueseptember.ie
So why BLUE?
Well blue is for boys and we lose too many of our fathers, brothers, sons and friends to prostate, testicular bowel and other cancers every year.
Who are the three charities behind Blue September sponsored by Vhi Healthcare?
All fundraising from Blue September Ireland will go directly to patient care at the Blue September Coalition Charities
- Cancer Care West
- The Mater Foundation
- The Mercy Cancer Appeal
What can people to raise awareness and funds for Blue September?
If people want to Dare their boss to do something during the month of September (Bernard and Dermot to add some examples of dares here).
Check out www.blueseptember.ie for information on how to donate.
What is Testicular Cancer?
Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that forms in one of the testicles and is the most common cancer in younger men aged between 15 and 34 years in Ireland.
Every year about 164 men are diagnosed with this cancer however the survival rate for testicular cancer has increased dramatically in recent years to over 95% due to increased awareness and better treatment options.
Treatment does not normally affect a man’s erectile function or masculinity, making testicular cancer one of the most curable of all internal cancers if diagnosed early.
What are the symptoms of Testicular Cancer?
- A lump or bump on either testicle
- Enlargement or swelling of the scrotum
- Dull ache or pain felt in the groin, abdomen or back
- Symptoms often present in only one testicle
There’s no way to prevent testicular cancer and no one knows for sure what causes it. Carrying out a regular self-check or self-examination of your testicles following a shower or bath is the best way identify testicular cancer at its earliest stage.
If you experience any of these symptoms it doesn’t mean you have Testicular cancer but you should still pay a visit to your GP.
Dare to go Blue & face up to men’s cancer. Visit www.BlueSeptember.ie
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