Orchid

Orchid

At a glance

Causes

  • Health and well being / research and care
  • Men

Other details

Geographical remit: 
National - Britain

Objectives

Orchid exists to save men's lives from testicular, prostate and penile cancers through a range of support services, education and awareness campaigns and a pioneering research programme. Orchid is recognised as the UK’s leading charity working on behalf of anyone affected by or interested in male cancer.

Our two founders, Colin Osborne, who was affected by testicular cancer, and Professor Tim Oliver, the Oncologist who saved his life, continue to drive our charity forwards in order to reach more men and families affected by male cancers.

  • Over 41,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and sadly 10,000 do not survive. This equates to one man dying every hour
  • Over 2,200 men every year are affected by testicular cancer. This means that every day, 6 men are diagnosed and many of these are under 35
  • A further 500 men are diagnosed with the much rarer penile cancer

 

Behind each statistic is a man; a father, son, brother, grandfather or friend, and behind each man there are family and friends who are affected by these uniquely male cancers. There is limited recognition of male cancer and male cancer is under represented. Men are less likely to address their health, or to discuss cancer even amongst families or friends, therefore it is vital to find new ways to reach them. 

Orchid’s Male Cancer Information Specialists are instrumental in enabling the organisation to develop new services to fill the gap in information and support for male cancer, and ensuring that men of all ages recognise the warning signs, seek an early diagnosis and have the best possible prognosis. Their specialist knowledge of genito-urinary cancer has enabled Orchid to develop a range of exceptional services.

‘I feel that there isn't enough public awareness, advice or support about penile cancer….. Please, please try to remedy this, if it could save lives and support families it needs to be done’- a penile cancer patient

As an Ambassador you will help to put the issue of male specific cancer on the map in your local area. By becoming an Ambassador, you will help to ensure that more people than ever before are aware of the disease and know where to turn to for much needed support and information!

Activities

Services

•             We have opened our Freephone National Male Cancer Helpline and email service,  a Testicular Cancer Telephone Counselling Service and the “Your Privates” testicular cancer microsite and schools resource pack accredited by the Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) Association.

Awareness

•             We delivered over 120 Roadshows – an increase of 35% on the previous year. Often in communities where cancer incidence rates are high, but where ill health is compounded by poverty, and people often delay reporting signs and symptoms.

 

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