Should you be passing over Westminster Bridge, you might see that the sun shining through the holes in the 162-year-old design makes out an image resembling one part of human anatomy. Hadn’t noticed before? Well, my good friend, you certainly will today – and then won’t be able to unsee it.
A ballsy campaign by The Oddballs Foundation to raise awareness for Testicular Cancer Awareness Month has cleverly used this fact today (April 17) for a great cause, installing signs pointing at the (497) penis-shaped lights to urge people to check their balls.
According to research by the charity, 81.5% of men do not check for signs of testicular cancer regularly, and one in four have never done so. The Oddballs Foundation hope to change this in the hope of helping more men catch onto signs of illness early to give them the best chance at being successfully treated. And what better way to do this than a little wink and nudge towards the phallic shapes on a sunny day at Westminster Bridge?
It’s never easy to face the prospect of being affected by an illness that causes such pain and heartache, but the charity hopes to change the fact that one in five are ‘too embarrassed’ to visit the doctor to check for testicular cancer. A campaign this bold and close to many MP’s way to work is a powerful way to continue talking about these issues, and hopefully encourage more people to check themselves and come forward for medical treatment early enough.
While the “This is a sign to check your balls” messages may just be up for today, it projects a long-lasting message that all can remember and carry with them after an initial snigger at the bridge shapes. Passers-by are also encouraged to scan a QR code on the signs to head to Oddball’s self-check page, where they will be able to find out more on how to spot symptoms of testicular cancer.
Speaking on the campaign, Kieran Kelly, Foundation Manager at The OddBalls Foundation said; “We know that testicular cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer – and is much more effective when started early. But shockingly just 18.5% of men regularly check themselves for abnormalities.
“We’ve had such a great reaction to the campaign today, with hundreds of guys stopping and downloading our check yourself guide. We urgently need the support of government to help raise awareness of testicular cancer. This morning as hundreds of MPs cross the bridge to the Houses Of Parliament – we hope to have reignited that conversation.”
Around 2,300 people in the UK are diagnosed with testicular cancer every year, which equates to six every day, making it the most common type of cancer to affect men aged 15-49.
The campaign runs today, though thanks to the architecture of the bridge, you’ll be able to chuckle at the shapes created by the sun all year round.
Find out more about The Oddballs Foundation here. Testicular Cancer Awareness Month runs throughout April.