Guys: check yourselves, know your balls and tell someone if you find something new or different. Don't be shy, we all have balls and want to keep them - Brent Dirks, TC survivor

Testicular cancer - it is without a doubt a sensitive topic. As a society, we tend to avoid saying words such as testicles and balls out loud. Receiving this diagnosis can feel like a personal attack on one’s own manhood. However, it’s time we removed this stigma. Testicular cancer has one of the highest survival rates of any type of cancer. In fact, 99% of cases are treatable if diagnosed early. It’s time to encourage men to take an interest in their overall health.

With testicular cancer rates on the rise over the past few decades, foundations like the Testicular Cancer Foundation are making strides in the effort to raise awareness on the importance of early detection. Self-exams can make all the difference in these cases. Conducting a self-exam is a simple three-step process.

1. Check one testicle at a time.
2. Hold your testicle between your thumbs and fingers of both hands and roll it gently between your fingers.
3. If you detect anything out of the ordinary, such as hard lumps, smooth or rounded bumps, changes in size, shape or consistency, contact a urologist immediately. Do not ignore these symptoms.

The Testicular Cancer Foundation was started by Matt Ferstler after a testicular cancer diagnosis at the age of 22 left him with unanswered questions and no resources to turn to for advice. Being that resource for others facing this disease was his driving factor in starting the foundation. Working alongside survivors, caregivers, and advocates have given the foundation the ability to educate young men aged 15-34, who is the most commonly diagnosed age group. They also work closely with the patient’s family to help them better understand what their loved one is going through. Their resources are available to anyone looking for more information or anyone looking to get involved in the fight.

This year marks men’s underwear brand, Tommy John’s fifth year as a partner with the Testicular Cancer Foundation. The brand focuses on the comfort of man’s most fundamental layers. By revolutionizing the way we think about our closest layers, the company has disrupted the market with innovative products with unparalleled support. Because testicles and underwear go hand in hand, the partnership between the two companies made perfect sense. Ill-fitting underwear can restrict blood flow and cause overheating, which can potentially decrease sperm production. Having a pair of underwear that fits properly and is comfortable can make recovering from surgery much more tolerable.

Working alongside TCF, Tommy John is hoping to erase the stigma surrounding the disease. It’s time to get a little “ballsy” and start the conversation that many are too timid to have. Speaking up and educating on the importance of performing a monthly self-exam is crucial in the fight against testicular cancer. #supportyourballs