Orchid

Who we are

Every year over 50,000 men are diagnosed with a male cancer. Orchid exists to save men's lives from the three male specific cancers which include testicular, prostate and penile. We offer a range of support services, deliver education and awareness campaigns and lead 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 including men, their families and friends, health and social care professionals and employers.  

Our work is broken down into 3 areas;

Support Services - We offer a comprehensive information service staffed by specialist Male Cancer Information Nurse Specialists, a freephone National Male Cancer Helpline and email, a portfolio of publications, an award winning DVD ‘Know Your Balls…Check Em Out’, a testicular cancer microsite “Your Privates” and educational resource pack, a telephone based Testicular Cancer Counselling Service, a dedicated website and newsletter low-down. Staff also run Roadshows across the UK offering support and information in the heart of the community. All our services are free of charge.

Education and awareness campaigns - on a national level Orchid raises awareness of male cancer and educates men in the signs and symptoms of cancer. The Orchid Male Cancer Information Nurses and volunteers work closely with health and social care professionals, other voluntary organisations, community groups and support networks, schools, universities and local companies to deliver education and health awareness programmes and wellness sessions thereby ensuring men of all ages are well informed.

An example of this was our “Check your Chaps” campaign which was a national high profile testicular cancer awareness campaign on ITV’s Lorraine programme. The aim was to encourage women and men to be aware of the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer and to carry out regular self-checks.

A pioneering, world class research programme - our funding of innovative research in the cancer field remains a key focus of Orchid’s work.  The research programme aims to encourage, support and fund research into the causes, prevention and treatment of male cancers. It has identified new ways to treat male cancers and improved our understanding of how these cancers behave.