Orchid Press Office

The Orchid Press Office is available to answer questions from journalists on all aspects of male specific cancers. This includes health awareness campaigns, scientific and medical research, policies and fundraising.

About the Orchid Press Office

The Orchid Press Office is available to answer journalists’ queries on all aspects of testicular, penile and prostate cancer. Whether you are interested in the latest scientific and medical research or would like to hear more about health awareness campaigns, policies and our fundraising, we are here to help.

We can provide:

Facts and figures
Case studies
Research insights
Spokespeople to comment on issues faced by men and their families
Images and short films

Key Male Cancer Facts

Testicular Cancer

Around 2400 men a year UK (around 6 men a day) are diagnosed
Nearly half the men diagnosed are under the age of 35
Can occur at any age but most commonly affects men between the ages 15-45
90%+ chance of a cure if caught early

Most Common Risk Factors:

Cryptorchidism; undescended testicle
Family history: 9-10x brother, 4-5x father
Genetic factors – ongoing research
Caucasian men

Symptoms

More than 95% present with a lump in the body of the testis
80% painless
Testicular pain and discomfort
Breast enlargement/pain or swelling (7%)

For more information, please visit our Testicular Cancer section.

Penile Cancer

UK 700 men a year (around two men a day)
60% over 65
25% increase in the UK over last decade

Most Common Risk Factors:

HPV infection plays a role in the development of penile cancer. About 50% of cancers are associated with HPV, with the main subtype being HPV-16 (involved in 60% of cases). HPV-18 is involved in 13% of cases.
Phimosis (non-retracting foreskin)
HIV infection.

Symptoms