Hull’s national building supplies business MKM has partnered with OddBalls Foundation for Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, urging tradesman to ‘check their tools’.

The April campaign launches today, with the city’s proud export putting self examination – quite literally – in the hands of their customers.

Testicular cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in men aged 15 to 49, with 2,300 new cases diagnosed annually. Despite being one of the most treatable forms if caught early enough, the illness still claims an average of 60 lives a year in the UK.

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Nicola Ollett, head of marketing at MKM Building Supplies, said: “This April, we are encouraging tradesmen nationwide to take their health by the balls and check for any lumps or changes that might indicate testicular cancer.

“Just like checks to your construction equipment to make sure it’s in good working order, testicular self-examination should be part of your daily routine. A self-exam only takes a minute, but being familiar with the look, feel and shape of your testicles can help you spot any abnormalities early.

“Testicular cancer is highly treatable if caught early enough, so regular self-examination really does make all the difference. That’s why we’re hoping our ‘Check Your Tools’ campaign encourages more men to take a ‘hands-on’ approach to self-examination.”

The partnership has seen an MKM-branded guide produced, with representatives from OddBalls Foundation, a charity that seeks to raise awareness for testicular cancer and promote male health internationally, to visit a number of MKM’s branches nationwide to deliver self-examination demonstrations for staff and customers.

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