Meet Mr. Testicle, the new mascot of the Association of People with Cancer, Brazil, aiming to spread awareness of testicular cancer among people. This non-profit organization seems to have adopted a playful way of spreading awareness among people.
Testicular cancer - basically a cancer that targets the testicles - affects more than 7,500 people in the U.S. alone, each year. Males aged between 20-39 years are at a much higher risk of getting affected by the condition, and if not metastasized, it proves to be one of the easiest cancers to treat, with cure rates well above 90 percent.
Senhor Testiculo, translated in English as Mr. Testicle, focuses on reminding men to get regular check-ups done to prevent testicular cancer. "Both children and adults loved taking pictures with the mascot, a friendly snowman in the shape of testicle," the website reports.
Mr. Testicle seemed to have a busy time getting his pictures clicked with men, women and children too. What's more, he has also managed to get a lot of publicity, according to the Brazilian newspaper O Globo, which is exactly what the entire event was aimed at - spreading more and more awareness.
To add to that, and also to lessen the 'humor' impact and emphasize on the seriousness of the message, Mr. Testicle shows the presence of 'hair' on its body.
A family history of testicular cancer is probably one of the most common risk factors for this condition. Several other factors, including HIV infections, undescended testicles, race, age, body size, and cancer of the other testicle too, may play a major role in the development of testicular cancer.
Early tests and diagnosis may help cut down the risk of this condition considerably, which is why, public awareness plays an important role.
Organizing more such public events should be initiated as they could definitely lower the number of people suffering from cancer.
