The first, simple to use, step-by-step “check yourself” testicular cancer app has been launched today by testicular cancer charity The Oddballs Foundation. Patron of the Foundation and former Premier League footballer, Stephen Harper said

“this is the most common cancer for males aged 18 to 35 and unless we get a reminder, most of us just don’t think about it. Guys, we’ve all got our phones in our hands, so come on, download the app now. It’s so simple, you even get a reminder to check yourself once a month, so you can’t forget. This could save your life, your son’s life, your father or grandson’s life. It’s that important”.

Each month a celebrity will encourage users to check themselves, this will be done through a video on the app.

The first video comes from football hero Alan Shearer (The app will send an alert once a month to encourage users to check themselves with the ‘how to guide).  January’s video will feature International rugby referee Nigel Owens.

With 16,000 new cases diagnosed in the UK every year, early detection means 95% of males will make a complete recovery.   The charity has a legion of supporters including International Rugby teams, Premier League Football clubs, cricket clubs and celebrities around the world (Ant & Dec, Mark Wright, Jimmy Bullard, Olly Murrs, Dame Kelly Holmes, Ronaldinho, Shane Williams, Mike Tindall, Carl Froch and many more). The charity also helps to fund a male health programme called “Offload”. This is run by the ‘Rugby Football League’, and is a twelve-week programme to educate men about the importance of physical and mental health, with a week dedicated to testicular cancer.

OddBalls receive emails and messages regularly on how they have helped save lives. William Cooper, MD of OddBalls said “we recently had an email from the parents of an eleven-year-old boy. He had found a tiny lump after reading the simple check yourself guide on the back of our underwear packaging. Fortunately, the lump was removed and he has since made a full recovery. His mum Ellen got in touch to tell us his story and has since downloaded the app. Her son has gone on to encourage his school friends to also check and download it’.