"There is a collective understanding that South African men who have contracted such cancers, testicular cancer in particular, prefer not to talk about it. In some instances, it is perceived that those affected feel demoralised, weak, and unmanly opening up about this journey," says Laurence Hillman, CEO at 1Life.

"Yet, through sharing one’s knowledge, experience, and journey to recovery – coming together as males – support networks could be formed, encouraging others to get tested, look out for signs, and to live healthier lifestyles," adds Hillman.

The 1Life campaign has sought out three male cancer survivors who openly share their journey and experiences with the brand’s social media and blog followers. The three cancer survivors are:

1. Cameron Green

Green is a 42-year-old father of two and owner of a digital marketing firm. When Green felt that something wasn’t right, he went to see a urologist, who confirmed he had testicular cancer. He says his wife has been his greatest strength, but that he also interacts with a network of survivors.

Green adds, "It’s very important for men to talk about their diagnoses and to let go of the stigma. Fathers need to have the freedom to talk to their sons about why the need to check and how to check. The stigma serves no purpose other than to prolong the timeframe of access to care with a diminished possibility of survival."

2. Timothy Hart

A 32-year-old firefighter and father of two, Hart is a testicular cancer survivor who campaigns for awareness about the disease. Hart says that all men should know the symptoms and examine themselves regularly.

He adds, "If you feel any lumps or pain or tenderness in your testicles, get yourself checked by a doctor. Women do it all the time for breast cancer. Men need to do it for testicular cancer too." 

3. David Lucas

Lucas, 60–year-old small business owner and Cancer Association of South Africa ambassador, says that knew that he should be going for a prostate exam every year after he turned 40, but avoided going. When he went to see his GP for a different issue, a blood test revealed that he had prostate cancer. 

"People who are killed in accidents or from heart attacks do not have such an opportunity. Nobody can make their lives perfect, but a cancer patient can look at their life and make changes. From a spiritual point of view, it’s done a lot for me – it’s made me see my place in the world," Lucas adds. "Please get checked once a year. Early detection makes the difference."

The three men have specific messages to share, including:
  • Understand male cancers, the risk factors, who is more prone to it, and the impact on one’s life;
  • Talk about it, share experiences, share advice, and give men the chance of survival;
  • Gest tested early – if detected early, prostate cancer survival rates are 98%. Yet, if detected late, the survival rate drops to 26%; and 
  • Know the symptoms, get examined regularly, and seek help if something doesn't feel right.

"Cancer doesn’t discriminate. It affects men of all ages and from all walks of life. For men, the diagnosis often comes too late, which is why these three men have been outspoken about their cancer recovery journeys," says Hillman.

"They are helping to raise awareness, helping other men to get diagnosed and treated early. 1Life’s ethos is to change lives, and we hope that, through this campaign, we are able to make a difference in the lives of South African men," concludes Hillman.

You can read the three cancer survivors' full stories here.

For more information, visit www.1life.co.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.