Testicular Cancer Mascot - Presenting Brazil’s Mr. Balls
A testicular cancer mascot to help spread public awareness about cancer? Brazil thought it’s a good idea - and went on creating one. The number of men with testicular cancer increases annually but it can be treated. Mr. Balls - the mascot - wants people to know that.
Mar 30, 20237 Shares302 Views
Brazilians actually call him, in their native language, “Senhor Testiculo” or, in English, “Mr. Testicles.” As other people might find the latter too vulgar or to say in public, “Mr. Balls” serves as the more preferred English name.
Mr. Balls is a giant pair of testicles who appears to be friendly (thanks to his smiling face) despite what is described to be a “disturbing” appearance.
Why does Brazil have a testicular cancer mascot? What could be the need for such?
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Testicular Cancer Mascot Raises Awareness
The non-profit organization Associacao de Assistencia as Pessoas com Cancer(Association of Personal Assistance for Cancer) or AAPEC created the said testicular cancer mascot.
In 2013, AAPEC presented Mr. Balls in a public event in Brazil. It garnered laughter from the crowd, with its round eyes, rosy cheeks, mole, and two front teeth (i.e., an upper tooth and a lower tooth).
While Mr. Balls made people laugh, it also sparked people’s curiosity and got the attention of the media to help spread cancerawareness.
AAPEC said on its website:
“„Both children and adults loved taking pictures with the mascot, a friendly snowman in the shape of testicle.- Associacao de Assistencia as Pessoas com Cancer (AAPEC)
Hundreds die of testicular cancer every year. According to the American Cancer Society, its cases continue to rise around the world.
“„Most testicular cancers can be cured, even if diagnosed at an advanced stage.- U.S. National Cancer Institute
That’s why Mr. Balls - the testicular cancer mascot from Brazil - is here to remind men that there’s still hope if ever they get diagnosedto have it.
What Is Testicular Cancer?
Creating a testicular cancer mascot is just a start or a mere part of something big when it comes to creating awareness and spreading information about this particular type of cancer.
Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the testicles, which are the male reproductive organs that produce sperm and testosterone.
It usually begins as a painless lump or swelling in one of the testicles and typically affects young and middle-aged men, with the majority of cases occurring between the ages of 15 and 49.
Other symptoms may include the following:
- a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- a dull ache or pain in the lower abdomen or groin
- a sudden buildup of fluid in the scrotum (loose pouch of skin that hangs below the penis and contains the testicles)
There are different types of testicular cancer, including seminomas and non-seminomas. Seminomas tend to grow and spread more slowly than non-seminomas, which can grow quickly and aggressively.
Fortunately, testicular cancer is highly treatable, especially if it is detected early.
Treatment options may include:
- surgery to remove the affected testicle
- chemotherapy
- radiation therapy
- a combination of these approaches
In some cases, additional treatments such as surveillance, lymph node dissection, or high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant may be needed.
Brazil’s testicular cancer mascot may seem to be a crazy idea, but it sure is one effective way to get the attention of people and become informed about the said cancer.
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