British men favor a variety of slang terms for their testicles, with “balls” leading the pack according to recent research. Other popular choices include nuts, plums, knackers, and stones. This survey coincides with Testicular Cancer Awareness Month in April, as efforts intensify to encourage open discussions about men’s health.
Key Findings on Awareness and Habits
Researchers discovered that only 41% of British men feel comfortable discussing testicular health in casual conversations. Four in 10 adult males remain unaware of the primary symptoms of testicular cancer and what to watch for.
More alarmingly, 53% rarely or never perform self-checks, while 68% cite fear and embarrassment as barriers to seeking immediate medical advice upon noticing an abnormality.
Expert Insights and Campaign Push
Kieran Kelly, managing director of the OddBalls Foundation, emphasized the urgency: “Each year in the UK, more than 2,000 men receive a testicular cancer diagnosis. Caught early, it proves highly treatable—yet many men neglect proper self-checks. Our campaign sparks national conversations using humor to address a taboo topic and ultimately save lives.”
Kelly added: “Britain safeguards its Crown Jewels with armed guards and bulletproof glass—we simply urge men to devote 30 seconds in the shower to theirs. It could be lifesaving.”
Awareness Sculpture Tours the UK
To draw attention, the foundation crafted a cheeky, jewel-encrusted “Crown Jewels” sculpture from over 500 diamond-cut stones. This handcrafted installation travels across the UK during April. For tour dates, self-check guidance, and more details, visit oddballsfoundation.com.
Top 10 Nicknames from the Survey
- Balls (71%)
- Bollocks (45%)
- Nuts (38%)
- Ballsack (24%)
- Crown jewels (21%)
- Plums (21%)
- Knackers (17%)
- Gonads (10%)
- Eggs (6%)
- Stones (4%)