Men’s Health Week — Why #TalkingBollocks could save your life!
- Toby Freeman
- Jun 11
- 4 min read
Every year during Men’s Health Week, we see more conversations around mental health, wellbeing, cancer awareness, and the importance of speaking up — which, of course, should absolutely be applauded.
But there’s still a long way to go when it comes to helping men feel genuinely comfortable talking about their health. This is especially true when it comes to topics that feel personal, embarrassing, or vulnerable — like testicular cancer.
Even though it’s the most common cancer in young men, many still don’t know the signs and symptoms, don’t regularly check themselves, or delay speaking to a GP because they feel embarrassed or convince themselves it’s ‘probably nothing’.
At The Robin Cancer Trust, we’ve spent the last 14 years trying to change this space, by using humour to make conversations feel more normal, human, and approachable. I'm Toby Freeman, and I have the privilege of being the Founder & CEO of The Robin Cancer Trust — which is why I’m so passionate about changing the narrative around men’s health, and breaking the stigma by starting life-saving conversations.
The Robin Cancer Trust: Our Why
The charity exists because of my brother Rob.
Rob died from testicular cancer in 2011 at the age of 24. Before his diagnosis, he was fit, healthy, active — and in the prime of his life. Like most families, cancer wasn’t something we ever imagined would affect us, and especially not at that age.
After losing him, our family made a decision that something good had to come from what happened — to prevent another family going through what we did.
That idea, that hope, eventually became The Robin Cancer Trust.
Over the years, what’s become really clear is that awareness alone isn’t always enough; we have to break down the barriers that lead to positive behaviour change. And what we’ve learned is that means creating space for permission. Permission to ask questions, to admit something feels wrong, to get checked without feeling embarrassed, and to talk openly about their body and health. Whether that’s at an event, in a classroom, or on social media, we must create spaces and interactions that give permission. Because when conversations feel awkward or taboo, people delay taking life-saving action — and with cancers like testicular cancer, early diagnosis is key to better outcomes.
#TalkingBollocks: How humour can save lives
So, how do we create these spaces and interactions? For us, there’s no better way than making people laugh.
Cancer isn’t funny. In fact, it’s about as serious as it gets.
But by making ourselves the butt of the joke — by wearing giant testicles around our necks, by handing out ‘I love my balls’ stickers, or by asking the public what they call their balls — we are giving people permission to laugh.
And laughter is an incredible ice-breaker; it lowers people’s guard, it breaks the tension, and it makes difficult conversations feel approachable. It creates engagement where people might otherwise switch off.
That’s why our campaigns are intentionally bold, creative, and disruptive — because talking bollocks saves lives. For that reason, I have run over 500km dressed as a giant ballbag, including the London Marathon, Brighton Marathon, and running across Hadrian's Wall.
People often ask me about the fundraising totals, the media coverage, or how many people we've reached — but honestly, that's not what I remember. It’s not even all the miles, the blood, sweat, and tears I’ve endured whilst carrying a 7kg costume hundreds of miles…
I remember the runners shouting encouragement as they pass. The crowds laughing before asking a genuine question about testicular cancer. The stories people share about a friend, a brother, a son, or a dad. The messages afterwards from people saying they've finally checked themselves or booked a GP appointment because one of our campaigns got them thinking.
Those moments matter far more than any statistic ever could. The costume is just the conversation starter — the conversations themselves are the point.
And the reality is: people engage with it immediately:
● People laugh.
● People ask questions.
● People share videos and photos online.
● People start normalising conversations about their testicles.
● And most importantly: people start checking themselves regularly, and taking action if they are concerned.
Sometimes the biggest barrier isn’t information. It’s simply getting people comfortable enough to engage with the topic in the first place.
That’s how humour can save lives.
Testicular Cancer: What you need to know
Testicular cancer is 95% curable if caught early, so the most important thing is simply knowing what’s normal for your body. That’s why we encourage anyone with testicles to check themselves once a month.
● Lumps
● Swelling
● Hardness
● Heaviness
● Pain
Most changes won’t be cancer, but if something feels unusual, persistent, or different to normal, it’s important to get checked.
Don’t delay because you feel awkward or embarrassed. Don’t assume you’re overreacting or that it’ll just ‘go away’. Don’t feel like you’re wasting anyone’s time, or that ‘it can wait’.
Book to see your doctor (you can always mention it’s a private matter, if you don’t want to say), take someone with you if you feel more comfortable, and mention your concerns directly to help your GP understand how to help you.
New Normal: Conversations changing culture
So how can we as individuals make a difference in Men’s Health Week and beyond?
The most impactful and important thing we can do is normalise these conversations with the people in our lives, and model the behaviour we want others to take
● Start a conversation about testicular cancer with friends, family, or colleagues
● Encourage those around you to check themselves once a month
● Know your normal, and take the time to visit your doctor if you are concerned
By doing these three simple things, you will be creating permission for others — engaging, educating and empowering life-saving actions.
If you can do it whilst making people laugh (we’re here to help with that if you need us), then that’s what The Robin Cancer Trust is all about.
Talking bollocks saves lives — go ahead and spread the word.
