I’ve known about Single Jingles: A Testicular Cancer Foundation for about five or six months now, but I really got to know the organization recently as they helped me and my colleagues provide some much needed resources for a patient. First of all, the big, pink elephant – the name is simply hilarious and irreverent, which is common in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer community. Don’t freak out. Seriously, it’s 2011. Can’t we talk about testicular cancer and testicular self exams (TSE), which should be done monthly, without fear of stigma, humiliation, and all that? After all, it is the most common cancer among men ages 15 to 35. Not to mention it is highly curable when detected early. Yeah, did you catch those key words – when detected early?

I’ve heard several testicular cancer survivors tell their stories, and no matter who it is, it seems like there is always some hint of embarrassment when the guy says he felt a lump on his testicle. Gasp! He was actually touching himself!? Why is that? Haven’t we – healthcare professionals and advocates – been preaching this message of self exams for what seems like forever? Still, it’s our culture, and it is quite ironic considering how great healthcare professionals are discussing sexuality issues. [Eye roll.] Yes, that was sarcasm.

Single Jingles is helping change that – providing education and raising awareness about testicular cancer and TSE. Founded by a young adult testicular cancer survivor, Matt Ferstler, I can honestly say this is one great organization. Check it out. Donate. Volunteer. Use their resources.