Testicle Cancer

'Censored' internet video may be a life-saver

Boobs are OK but balls are not. That appears to be the philosophy of YouTube following the decision to place a video that shows you how to examine your testicles for cancer behind its 'membership wall'. At least one malehealth reader reckons the video may have saved his life.

The videos were posted earlier this year by Dr Chris Steele, a patron of the MHF who run the malehealth website. 'At the beginning of the year I posted two videos on YouTube, showing how to check for signs of breast cancer and testicular cancer,' he says.

'Both conditions can be fatal, but early detection improves your chances of survival. I posted them on YouTube, so they could reach more people around the world, but YouTube have rated them as suitable for over 18s only.

'This is very short-sighted of them, as testicular cancer in particular can affect boys under the age of 18. By limiting access, YouTube is stopping us from saving lives.'

YouTube which is one of the best-known sites on the internet has been owned since October 2006 by internet giant Google.

Fortunately,there's no need to go to YouTube itself to see the video. It's right here. It lasts about 3 minutes and has an introduction from Dr Chris.

'I am 42 and following the advice in this video, it has been established that I have testicular cancer'

This is some of the feeback from when we first ran this story and started showing the video:

Thank you. This was a very enlightening video. I am a 42 year old male and following the advice taken from this video It has been established that I have testicular cancer (left side) and I am being rushed through tests and examinations at hospital to see if it has been caught early enough before it spreads. Many thank again and I hope more people are able to gain access to this valuable advice.

Only a cyst

Thank You. Everything I wanted to know was provided. It would appear that if there is a problem, it is only a cyst. At 77, I am well past the age of normal concern for testicular cancer, but had thought things not quite normal. I already have an appointment with my doctor, but appreciate your web site's advance information.

Not some porno

Important for guys to know what they're looking for so don't quite understand why it was not made public. It's an educational video with Dr Chris for God's sake! No some porno.

Should be in schools

good information, should be available to boys of senior school age upwards, the britsh have too many hang ups about discussing subjects like this,and something as simple as this 3 minute film could help save your life.

Better than written instructions

Excellent idea. Much easier than following written instructions. MHF is a great resource.

Saves NHS time

Great info - cuts out all the embarassment , saves nhs time and maybe saves someones life ! What other info videos could be done?

Sexist society

Being a female I will be the first to admit just how completely and totally ridiculous that is. There is no objection ever anywhere in media now a days to upload images of womans breast in tiny little tops parading all over the place ...but to see a man parading his member around in any manner is obscene to them -- bias and completely sexist society.

Thanks for posting

Absolutely helpful. I mostly learn through visual aids, having seen it as it's perfomed is a lot more helpful than just reading it in a health magazine or online article. Thanks again for posting it.