Bike ride raises awareness of testicular cancer
A century of cyclists helped raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer by cycling from the American Express Community Stadium to the British Airways i360.
Albion in the Community (AITC), the official charity of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, organised the event as part of its Speak Up Against Cancer campaign, which aims to boost early detection rates in Brighton and Hove.
Each cyclist was given a pair of flashing Bike Balls bike lights, a limited edition Speak Up Against Cancer cycle bib, and a Bike Balls 10k Night Ride medal.
There was also a series of talks from local people who have been affected by testicular cancer, while poet and Brighton & Hove Albion fan Attila the Stockbroker read a number of poems, including one about the importance of men knowing the signs of testicular cancer and regularly checking themselves for changes. The then mayor of Brighton and Hove, Councillor Dee Simpson, also attended, congratulating participants on doing their bit to raise awareness.
Everyone who took part was given information on the signs and symptoms, which they were encouraged to also share with friends and family.
Testicular cancer is more common among men aged 20-44, with around 2,300 men diagnosed with the condition every year in the UK; that is a rate of more than six every day.
However, when caught early, around 95 per cent of testicular cancers can be treated successfully – highlighting the importance of awareness-raising events like AITC’s Bike Balls 10k Night Ride.
Vanessa Potter, who manages the Speak Up Against Cancer project for AITC, was delighted with how the event went.
She said: “It was fantastic that so many people wanted to take part and help raise awareness of testicular cancer symptoms. Having 100 people cycle through the city at night with their Bike Balls lights flashing from underneath their saddles certainly created a visual impact.
“Despite the very serious subject, it was important this event was fun and something people enjoyed taking part in, because as well as raising awareness of the symptoms, we also wanted it to encourage men to talk more openly about their health.
“Thank you to everyone who took part, to everyone who volunteered at the event, and to the British Airways i360, Pinnacle UK, Bike Balls, and Upgrade Bikes for their support.”
In the last 12 months, AITC’s Speak Up Against Cancer team has met face-to-face with more than 19,000 people in Brighton and Hove, at more than 100 local events.
Speak Up Against Cancer is commissioned by NHS Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group.
For more information, including the signs and symptoms of a range of different cancers, visit: www.speakupagainstcancer.org.