The Oddballs Foundation’s message is simple but crucial: “They care about your balls, and so should you.” Lauren explained to the students the importance of regular self-checking, as early detection can save lives. Year 9 student, Jack, said, "It was really interesting and so important to know how to protect ourselves for our futures."

Throughout the session, the students learnt about testicular cancer, its impact on both those diagnosed and their families, and how anyone, regardless of age, can be affected. They were shocked to learn that the most common age range for the condition is 15-49, with 2,400 new cases being diagnosed each year. The key takeaway was that testicular cancer has a 95% success rate when detected early, making early diagnosis crucial. Year 10 student, Mollie, remarked, "It's really good to know the signs and symptoms; I thought Oddballs was just a clothing range!"

Lauren also shared the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer, followed by a video on how to perform self-checks. Students were shocked to discover that without regular checks, the cancer can spread and become metastatic. 

As part of the session, the students were introduced to the foundation’s fundraising initiative, Splash of Purple Day. Here’s how it works:

1. Choose any day of the year.

2. Encourage people to add a splash of purple to their uniform, outfit, or sports kit.

3. Fundraise creatively.

4. Tag @oddballsfdn on social media using the hashtag #MakeASplash.

Year 9 student, Sam, said, “It’s so good because it helps understand the importance of testicular cancer and how to get help.”

Mrs Henderson, Head of English, who brought her class to the session, commented, “The Oddballs session was really excellent. The guest speaker was so professional with our students—candid, informative, and educational—and they learnt the importance of self-checking.”

The key takeaways from the session were clear: early detection can save lives, so it’s essential to regularly check for any changes. Lauren stressed the importance of seeking medical advice if anything unusual is noticed, as testicular cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when caught early. The powerful message for students was, "Your health is in your hands."

Mrs Chalmers would like to thank Lauren for taking the time to deliver such an important message to our students.

Here’s a link to the OddBalls Foundation where you can learn how to perform a self-check: https://theoddballsfoundation.com/pages/check-yourself-guide