A Clydebank MSP has secured a debate in the Scottish Parliament to raise awareness of testicular cancer.
SNP MSP Marie McNair, who represents Clydebank and Milngavie, will hold the debate on April 29 to mark Testicular Cancer Awareness Month.
Testicular Cancer Awareness runs throughout April and aims to raise awareness about the disease, educate people about early detection and treatment, tackle common myths, and encourage self-checking.
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Marie worked with Clydebank-based Cahonas Scotland, the country’s only dedicated testicular cancer charity, to secure the backing of other MSPs for the debate.
Ms McNair said: "I am pleased to have secured the chance to raise awareness of testicular cancer.
"It may not be the most talked-about form of cancer, but that doesn’t make it any less important.
"Unfortunately, too many people do not know the symptoms, or worse, are too afraid or embarrassed to discuss them.
"So, groups like Cahonas are vital in raising awareness and in encouraging self-checking.
"We need to normalise open, honest conversations about men’s health, and having spaces where men feel comfortable to ask questions and share concerns without shame, is a core part of this."
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Ritchie Marshall, founder and chief executive officer of Cahonas, said: "This debate is a powerful opportunity to raise awareness of testicular cancer and spotlight the life-saving work happening right here in Scotland.
"At Cahonas, we believe no man should face this diagnosis alone — and with early detection, we can save lives.
"We’re proud to lead this work, and grateful to the Scottish Parliament for recognising the importance of education, support, and action."
Testicular cancer most commonly affects people aged between 15 and 45, with around 220 people in Scotland diagnosed every year.
If detected early, it has a cure rate of more than 95 per cent.
Symptoms to look out for include a lump or swelling in a testicle, or a dull ache, pain, or heaviness in the scrotum.
For further information or advice about testicular cancer, you can contact Cahonas on 0141 941 0058 or visit the charity's website.
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