A blood test is a relatively simple procedure that most of us will have had at least once in our lives. They can check your general health, the number of blood cells you have and how well some of your vital organs are working. They can also be used, in addition with other scans and tests, to help diagnose testicular cancer.

A blood test alone is not enough to diagnose cancer. They can give an indication of tumorous cells but not confirm cancer. We explain how and why below.

When do you have a blood test done?

Having your blood taken will be the first test you will have if you notice a lump or other symptoms of testicular cancer. If caught early enough testicular cancer is highly curable, with a 95% survival rate. So it is extremely important that you check your nuts regularly.

Check out our blog on the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer to know what to look out for.

You will also have regular blood tests during and/or following any treatment for testicular cancer, such as surgery or chemotherapy/radiotherapy. These will form part of your surveillance programme. This is where you are tested regularly during and following treatment to check it’s effectiveness and if the cancer returns.

Blood tests are usually every 1-3 months after treatment, becoming less and less frequent if you remain clear over a course of 3-5 years. After this time, you are usually discharged.

What is a blood test looking for?

The particular blood test used to detect testicular cancer is called a tumour marker test. If you have a tumour, you are likely to have tumour markers (which are usually proteins also known as biomarkers or molecular markers) in your blood. These can include beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, alpha-fetoprotein and lactate dehydrogenase.

They can also be found in urine and body tissues. Some are made only by one type of cancer, whilst others can be made by several types. Some cancers don’t have any tumour markers at all.

These substances exist in your blood and aren’t necessarily a sign that you have cancer. However, levels that are higher than usual could be a sign that you have cancer. This is what the test is for – to measure the levels of tumour markers in your blood.

Where do you have a blood test done?

Your GP surgery or a walk in clinic. A doctor, nurse or phlebotomist (someone who is specialised in taking blood) will conduct the test. Blood is usually taken from your arm as with most other blood tests. A tourniquet is used around your arm to make it easier for them to find a vein.

A small needle attached to a syringe will draw out some blood into a small vile or bottle. The sample will then be taken away to be tested at a laboratory.

What happens next?

Results can be expected within a day or two, or perhaps a little longer, depending on the type of blood test or the severity of your symptoms. You should wait no longer than a week or two.

Your GP or healthcare provider will let you know when your results are ready and book an appointment with you to discuss them.

If you do show signs of raised tumour markers, the next step will be to have an ultrasound scan. You can find more information on that in our next blog post!

Welcome to the third post in our blog series – meet the team! Gain an insight into the lives of the people who run, support or volunteer for Baggy Trousers UK.

In this edition we meet our treasurer – Jess Rae.

1) What does your role involve for BTUK?

I have been on the board since 2016 and I am currently the treasurer. Things I would normally do range from looking after the bank account, yearly budgets, basically anything and everything money related!

2) Where were you born and where are you from now?

Born in Ashton and still there now.

3) What do you do for a job away from the charity?

I am a store manager for O2 currently.

4) How do you take your tea or coffee?

Tea 2 all the way!

5) What was the last book you read and the last film you watched?

Colleen Hoover, ‘It Ends With Us’ and Mamma Mia 2.

6) What is your favourite BTUK blog?

Meet the team!

7) What’s the best place you have ever been to?

Cuba.

8) What do you hope to achieve with BTUK?

Continue to support the charity in raising awareness in any way shape or form that we can!

We’re excited to announce that some of the team are doing the Heaton Parkrun on June 22. Inspired by our Rob’s momentous effort to run 2400km in 2024, our founder Jack Broadley, and trustees Ian Arnison-Phillips and Harry Johns, will be joining him early doors ready for the 9am run, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

We will need to be too, as we will be about to embark on a nice and easy (as Rob would say) 5km jaunt through Heaton Park. What better way to start your Saturday morning though!

We will be representing BTUK and hopefully raising some awareness around testicular cancer whilst we’re at it. So come and say hello! We would love to chat – just let us catch our breath first! You can find us somewhere around the Pavillion Cafe afterwards where we will be handing out leaflets and chatting to people. We hope to see you there!

What is Heaton parkrun?

This is a 5km run that occurs every Saturday at 9am in Heaton Park, Manchester. It is a free and friendly community event where people can run, jog, or walk the course. Participants must register before they come along, but other than that you are free to along as you please.

The Course

The course is 5km long and is mostly on tarmac paths and gravel. Of course, this is Manchester we are talking about, so expect some wet or muddy patches!

Heaton Park is the largest park in the North West, covering over 600 acres. It is the location of Heaton Hall, a Grade I listed 18th century country house.

For more information on the event and how to get there, visit www.parkrun.org.uk/heaton.

What is a prosthetic testicle?

This is an artificial (human-made) testicle that replaces one lost due to injury or medical condition, such as testicular cancer. It doesn’t perform any of the functions of a normal testicle in that it doesn’t produce sperm of testosterone.

Men born without a testicle may also request a prosthetic testicle, but this occurs much less often.

Other names for prosthetic testicles include:

• fake testicles
• testicle implants
• testicle transplants
• artificial testes

What are prosthetic testicles made of?

Most prosthetic testicles are made of silicone and filled with saline. In early times, materials such as vitallium (also used in dentistry) and even marble was used for prosthetic testicles!

What does an artificial testicle look like?

Testicular implants have the appearance of small, translucent and squishy looking eggs. They have a similar shape, weight and feel to a human testicle. They come in a range of different sizes, so a urologist can choose a size that is a good match for your body – and your other testicle.

Why choose to have a prosthetic testicle?

You don’t have to choose the option of a prosthetic testicle if you’re missing one. Most testicular cancer survivors who choose to have a prosthetic replacement following an orchidectomy (surgical removal of one or both testicles) do so for image reasons. It can improve physical appearance and confidence, and calm any psychological fears.

Having a testicle implant, or choosing not to, will not affect your ability to get an erection or have sex.

How do you replace a missing testicle?

In general, the surgical procedure will involve the following steps:

1. You will be under either general or local anaesthesia. The former will put you to sleep for the whole procedure (most common – especially if you have testicular cancer and you are having a tumorous testicle removed). The latter involves numbing your scrotum and the surrounding areas, and you will be awake for the procedure.
2. A scalpel is used to make an incision in the lower part of your abdomen/groin or the upper section of your scrotum.
3. If you have testicular cancer then first the tumorous testicle must be removed through the incision made in the previous step.
4. A pouch is created for the prosthetic testicle within your scrotum.
5. The implant is sewn into place in the correct position in your scrotum.
6. The incision is closed using stitches.

This is a relatively simple and typically outpatient procedure that can take less than an hour. You can go home as soon as the procedure is complete and you feel fine to do so.

Prosthetic testicle benefits

• Prosthetic testicles can last a lifetime
• Relatively safe procedure with low risk of surgical complications or side effects
• Improves body image
• Boosts confidence and self-esteem

Prosthetic testicle risks

• Infection
• Scarring
• The prosthetic testicle may shift out of position, rupture or leak
• Pooling of blood in your scrotum

It’s important to note that the chances of these risks coming into fruition are rare. However, if you have certain conditions or existing complications, you may have a higher risk of developing complications.

This can include diabetes or a suppressed immune system (increases risk of infection), previous surgery on your scrotum, or an existing infection anywhere in your body.

What is the recovery and aftercare process?

After surgery you can expect some amount of pain or discomfort. It will feel tender around your scrotum and the area around the scar for at least a couple of days. You will also need to wear bandages and perhaps a supportive garment for a week or so. Your healthcare provider will give you pain relief and antibiotics if required.

You should be able to pee normally and comfortably throughout your recovery. However, you must avoid any strenuous exercise or physical activity for around 4 weeks after your surgery. This includes lifting heavy weights, running, or riding a bicycle. You may also be advised to avoid wearing anything that rubs against your scar as it heals. You should also wait the same amount of time before having sexual intercourse.

Failing to follow these recommendations may result in your prosthetic testicle shifting out of position or being expelled by your body, infection, or bleeding around your scar.

After 4 weeks you should be able to remove all bandages, support garments, and live a normal life.

Welcome to the third post in our blog series – meet the team! Gain an insight into the lives of the people who run, support or volunteer for Baggy Trousers UK.

In this edition we meet one of our trustees – Ian Arnison-Phillips.

1) What does your role involve for BTUK?

I have been a trustee for almost a year now I think, and my main role is to create and manage our content output. Soon I will be getting more ‘hands on’ involved with our peer support groups with our upcoming writing workshop – more details to come!

2) Where were you born and where are you from now?

Manchester born and bred, currently living in Radcliffe. I’ve spent 4 years in Newcastle and 3 years in Leeds before now though.

3) What do you do for a job away from the charity?

Director of a content services company, author and poet.

4) How do you take your tea or coffee?

I don’t. Give me Vimto anytime though!

5) Do you have experience of testicular cancer, either first hand or second hand?

First hand – diagnosed April 2021. Stage 1, operation with no chemotherapy required. Sounds daft, but I’m one of the lucky ones in that respect. I noticed the lump early enough and had it checked out straight away, so the cancer didn’t spread. I want to encourage others to do the same.

6) How often do you check your nuts?

Daily.

7) What did you want to grow up to be when you were a kid?

A DJ – or Liam Gallagher haha

8) What was the last book you read and the last film you watched?

Book: It’s What He Would’ve Wanted – Sean Hughes

Film: One Hour Photo

9) If you could swap places with anyone for the day, who would it be and why?

Charlie Brooker just to access his mind for 24 hours.

10) What is your favourite BTUK blog?

This one – obviously!

11) What is your favourite genres of music?

House or 1990s/2010s indie rock and roll.

12) What’s the best place you have ever been to?

Maine Road or Bali – both very similar.

13) What do you hope to achieve with BTUK?

To get more men to talk about their feelings, to release any stigma around testicular cancer, and raise awareness around the importance of regularly self-checking. I want to normalise the subject, so men aren’t embarrassed to talk about it or get checked out if they have symptoms.

14) Tell us something not many people would know about you!

I documented my journey through my testicular cancer experience to provide a source of information, reassurance and a real life story for other men who may also be on their own journey through it. Check it out – www.droptheball.uk.

Want to be part of a team that makes a real difference?

Here at Baggy Trousers UK we are always looking for new ways to raise awareness and offer support. This includes welcoming volunteers and expanding on the team we already have. Over the coming weeks we will release a few more blogs in this series, revealing the names and faces behind our charity, and what they do for us.

If you are interested in becoming a trustee for BTUK then we are more than happy to have that conversation. What we do has a real impact on people’s lives, helping those impacted by testicular cancer and going through treatment. It is extremely rewarding and an incredibly important role to raise awareness, release the stigma, and save lives.

For more information contact us using our contact form, or get hold of us on Facebook, Instagram, or X (Twitter).

A standard human testicle is about the size of a walnut. You may think you’re packing a coconut, but the reality is men are all pretty much the same size on average. The most obvious sign that you may have a tumorous testicle is if this changes.

“When I first called my GP for an appointment to check my right testicle, it was about the size of a table tennis ball.” – Ian Arnison-Phillips (BTUK Trustee).

This is why it is important to regularly check your nuts and make sure everything is as it should be. Luckily for our Ian, he saw a doctor as soon as he noticed something odd. He therefore caught it early enough for it to remain a Stage 1 tumour – meaning it did not spread. Had he left it any longer, the cancer could have spread, and he probably would have needed more extensive treatment, such as chemotherapy.

Size really does matter in this case

The old saying goes, it’s not the size that matters it’s what you do with it. Well in this case it is both. Size does certainly matter for your testicles in that if they become enlarged or change shape in any way, you should get it checked out as soon as you can. It also matters what you do with them, as you should ideally be checking them out at least once a week.

How to check your nuts

1. Take a warm shower or bath so your skin is relaxed.
2. Examine one testicle at a time by taking the testicle between your thumb and first two fingers and roll with consistent gentle pressure.
3. Feel for any lumps or changes in shape, size or consistency.
4. Make sure to also check the epididymis towards the back of the testicle.
5. If you notice a change or you feel a lump, don’t panic, but do get checked out.

Most lumps are not cancerous, but if you do notice anything unusual or anything concerning you should visit your doctor as soon as you can, to be on the safe side.

Other signs and symptoms of testicular cancer

There are other less common signs of testicular cancer, which may include:

• A dull ache or pain in the abdomen, groin or scrotum
• A heavy feeling in the scrotum
• A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
• Back pain

These can be signs or symptoms of a number of different things, not necessarily cancer. Still though, if you have any of these symptoms and they persist, you should go and get checked out!

Risk factors and causes

The exact causes of testicular cancer are still unknown. However, based on statistics from previous patients, there are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing testicular cancer.

Risk factors include:

• Caucasian men: Higher risk than other ethnic groups
• Taller men: Strangely enough, taller men are more likely to get it than smaller men
• Twins: The risk is even more so if you are an identical twin
• Family history: If any men in your family have had testicular cancer in the past
• Undescended testicle: If you are born with this condition you are more likely to experience testicular cancer

Having one or more risk factors doesn’t mean that you will certainly have testicular cancer. The disease is rare, even if you have some of these risk factors.

Do your part! Check your nuts!

If you check your balls frequently and see a doctor if you do find something unusual, then you have done all you can. Statistics suggest you will be absolutely fine, even if you do find something. These statistics cannot help you if you do not help yourself though!

Check regularly! Do not put off calling the doctor if you find a lump! You could potentially save your life!

Welcome to the second post in our blog series – meet the team! It does exactly what it says on the tin! Gain an insight into the lives of the people who run, support or volunteer for Baggy Trousers UK.

In this edition we meet one of our board members and chair – Robert Roughley.

1) What does your role involve for BTUK?

I am the chair of trustees & a trustee. I undertake testicular cancer and mental health awareness talks on behalf of the charity, chair monthly board meetings and currently fundraising by running 2400km in 2024 to raise awareness and funds for the charity.

2) Where were you born and where are you from now?

I was born in Wallasey, I now live in Bramhall.

3) What do you do for a job away from the charity?

Director for a Construction Company.

4) How do you take your tea or coffee?

Strong with a drop of oat milk.

5) Do you have experience of testicular cancer, either first hand or second hand?

First hand experience. Diagnosed on my birthday 23^rd Dec 2020. Stage 1 – 1cm tumour. Had operation and 1 shot of chemotherapy. Regular appointments every 6 months.

6) How often do you check your nuts?

Weekly.

7) What did you want to grow up to be when you were a kid?

Professional rugby player or businessman.

8) What was the last book you read and the last film you watched?

Book – The Art of Resilience.

Film – The Gentlemen & also the series.

9) If you could swap places with anyone for the day, who would it be and why?

Jonny Wilkinson 2003 Rugby World Cup – that drop goal!

10) What is your favourite BTUK blog?

The Nuts and Bolts of Prosthetic Testicles (we’re working on this one now – will be good one when released!).

11) What is your favourite genres of music?

Dance / Trance

12) What’s the best place you have ever been to?

Bali – amazing place, the people, culture.

13) What do you hope to achieve with BTUK?

Raise awareness about testicular cancer, encourage men to open-up and talk about their feelings, guide people to how to check and the importance of checking, and support people going through testicular cancer.

14) Tell us something not many people would know about you!

I have never been on a rollercoaster.

Want to be part of a team that makes a real difference?

Here at Baggy Trousers UK we are always looking for new ways to raise awareness and offer support. This includes welcoming volunteers and expanding on the team we already have. Over the coming weeks we will release a few more blogs in this series, revealing the names and faces behind our charity, and what they do for us.

If you are interested in becoming a trustee for BTUK then we are more than happy to have that conversation. What we do has a real impact on people’s lives, helping those impacted by testicular cancer and going through treatment. It is extremely rewarding and an incredibly important role to raise awareness, release the stigma, and save lives.

For more information contact us using our contact form, or get hold of us on Facebook, Instagram, or X (Twitter).

Congratulations to all those that completed the London Marathon this weekend – more than 53,000 of you finished the marathon on Sunday! A new record! Over £67 million has been raised so far – the biggest amount ever seen for an annual one-day fundraising event. A new world record!

Below we’ve listed some more crazy facts and figures relating to the London Marathon from previous years – check them out!

Rob the Record Breaker

Before we get to that though, we wanted to give a shout out to our very own Robert Roughley, who is trying to beat a record of his own and run 2400km! That’s over 50 times the length of the London Marathon, and he has just 365 days to do it.

The mission is to raise awareness and support those impacted by testicular cancer. Every year, over 2400 men in the UK are diagnosed with testicular cancer. Rob is running 1km for every man diagnosed each year. He has already covered over 690km and would really appreciate your support along the way. All fundraising will go directly to Baggy Trousers UK, who supported Rob through his testicular cancer journey.

Come on Rob! You got this!

London Marathon Facts and Figures

Where it all started

The first ever London Marathon was started by Chris Brasher (former Olympic champion) and John Disley (former athlete) on 29 March 1981. At that time 7741 people entered the race, with 6255 finishers. Nowhere near the numbers we see today, but still quite impressive considering it was the first one.

Over one billion raised

Since that first marathon, over one billion pounds has been raised for charities across the world. This is why the London Marathon is known as the largest annual fundraising event on the planet.

Record breaking every year

A total of 45 Guinness World Records were broken at the 2023 London Marathon. The results for this year still haven’t been fully collected or published yet, but we all expect more to be broken again in 2024. In fact, the event itself holds a Guiness World Record – for having the most Guinness World Records set in a single marathon!

Fastest marathon wearing wellington boots

One of those records in-particular is whackier than most! Becky Lafford holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest female to run marathon wearing wellington boots. Her time came in at 3:59:57. We’re just impressed she even finished the course – and can only imagine the potential blisters! Ouch!

Oldest participant is 91

At 90 years’ of age in last year’s event, David Picksley proved to the world that age is just a number. Well this year he’s only gone and done it again! At 91, David is a true testament to the meaning of the event, and perhaps proof that the most important number is the one you wear on your chest. Well done David!

Ever Presents

The ‘Ever Presents’ are exactly as they say they are. This is the name of a small group of runners who have participated in every London Marathon since it began back in 1981. There are now less than 10, all of whom entered this year’s event – of course!

270 birthday celebrations

A total of 270 runners celebrated their birthday on Marathon Day! Whether it felt like a celebration at the time or not is another thing, but I bet the drink in the pub afterwards was unbeatable. Happy birthday and congratulations to those 270 (slightly mad) people!

Middle-aged runners dominate

Almost 40,000 people that signed up to this year’s event belong to the 30-49 age group. This is over 50% of the total number of people (65,000) that registered in 2024. More surprisingly, there were more people aged 70-79 registered (509) than there were 18-19 year olds (366). The oldies showing the youngsters how it’s done once again!

Fundraising is easy and a lot of fun

Fundraising events like the London Marathon are extremely important for raising awareness and support for charities across the world, just like Baggy Trousers UK.

We host and organise our own fundraiser events across the year, to help and support those suffering from Testicular Cancer. If you would like to get involved, you’ll be making someone’s journey through testicular cancer more comfortable and supported, as well as funding our awareness campaigns.

This means providing people with the information they need to get an earlier diagnosis, and potentially saving lives. In return, you’ll get that feel-good factor from achieving your goals and making a real difference. We like to do things that are fun, sociable, and creative – based around the activities you’re enthusiastic about.

If you need any further help, advice or just someone to bounce your ideas off, we would love to hear from you! Contact us at info@baggytrousersuk.org.

Resources:

Photo by Miguel A Amutio on Unsplash.

https://www.reuters.com/sports/athletics/london-marathon-sets-world-record-with-more-than-53000-finishing-2024-04-22/

https://www.tcslondonmarathon.com/

https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/

Welcome to the first edition of our new blog series – meet the team! It does exactly what it says on the tin! Gain an insight into the lives of the people who run, support or volunteer for Baggy Trousers UK.

We start the series with our founder Jack Broadley.

1) What does your role involve for Baggy Trousers UK?

I started at Baggy Trousers UK on the 14 August 2014, day one of it being a charity, from idea on a piece of paper that included the goals and aspirations to raise awareness of the battle I’d just been through to hopefully save lives and offer a listening ear to those diagnosed. Since then, I’ve done every role you could think of at Baggy Trousers UK, these days I’m a trustee, I focus on our support services and day to day running of the charity, no two days are the same.

2) Where were you born and where are you from now?

I was born in Ashton-under-Lyne, I spent a short time living in sunny Scotland before heading back to reside in Tameside.

3) What do you do for a job away from the charity?

Since setting up Baggy Trousers UK, I joined an incredible digital agency called Reason Digital that works with lots of pro-social organisations supporting them with their digital solutions providing a better service and support to people they provide services to. I also trained to be an accountant and set up an accounting practice which I’m currently building, and I also work with another charity that raises awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer to teenagers and those in their twenties.

4) How do you take your tea or coffee?

Has to be Yorkshire Tea with 2 sugars and a drop of milk, tea bag has to sit for a little while to brew.

5) Have you had experience of testicular cancer, either first or second hand?

I was diagnosed with stage 2 non-seminoma mature teratoma (a bit of a mouthful). Basically an aggressive type of testicular cancer that spread to my abdominal lymph nodes, this required surgery to remove the testicle and a gruelling 9 weeks of chemotherapy treatment.

6) How often do you check yourself?

Before being diagnosed with testicular cancer I never checked and had no idea what I would have been looking for, I check my remaining nut at least once a month.

7) What did you want to be when you were a kid?

I wanted to be a race car driver.

8) What was the last book you read and the last film you watched?

The last book I read was The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and the last film I watched was The Beekeeper with Jason Statham, another one of his incredible films.

9) If you could swap places with anyone for the day, who would it be and why?

I would probably swap places with an F1 driver to understand what it feels like to be behind the wheel of an F1 car.

10) What is your favourite BTUK blog?

All the blogs we create are incredible (I’m slightly biased), the one that has a special place in my heart is ‘Music for Merrick’. Myself and Jess (our treasurer) travelled down to a fundraiser organised by an amazing family in aid of the work we do, we had the chance to meet Jamie who despite having chemotherapy the same day as the fundraiser, was a ray of sunshine and such a kind and gentle man. The whole team and I here at Baggy Trousers UK were saddened to hear that Jamie passed away a few months after the fundraiser. That blog is now a tribute to Jamie and a piece of his legacy which will remain on the website forever.

11) What is your favourite genre of music?

I enjoy all types of music, but my favourite is probably house music.

12) What’s the best place you have ever been to?

The best place I’ve ever been to has to be Scotland, I enjoy walking in the mountains and thanks to my dad started doing the Munro’s in 2017. I hope to one day follow in his footsteps and climb all 282 of them.

13) What do you hope to achieve with BTUK?

I hope to continue providing support to those impacted by testicular cancer and saving lives for as long as I’m alive. Having somebody to talk to that has been through a similar experience was vital for me when I was going through treatment which is why we have peer support volunteers and people kindly raising awareness.

14) Tell us something not many people would know about you!

I delivered a talk at a teenage and young person’s cancer event about people you meet during your cancer journey who unfortunately pass away. It’s by far the hardest talk I’ve delivered but the response and empathy I received from the hundreds of young people diagnosed with cancer in the audience brought me to tears.

Fancy becoming part of a team that makes a real difference?

Here at Baggy Trousers UK we are always looking for new ways to raise awareness and offer support. This includes welcoming volunteers and expanding on the team we already have. Over the coming weeks we will release a few more blogs in this series, revealing the names and faces behind our charity, and what they do for us.

If you are interested in becoming a trustee for BTUK then we are more than happy to have that conversation. What we do has a real impact on people’s lives, helping those impacted by testicular cancer and going through treatment. It is extremely rewarding and an incredibly important role to raise awareness, release the stigma, and save lives.

For more information contact us using our contact form, or get hold of us on Facebook, Instagram, or X (Twitter).