There are over 100,000 men diagnosed with cancer in the UK every year. Despite that, only 23% of calls last year to Cancerbackup's freephone helpline (0808 800 1234) were from men.

Balls! to male cancer aims to raise awareness of male cancers and Cancerbackup services. We want to encourage more men to be aware of their bodies and signs of cancer and to use Cancerbackup services for important and emotional support

Whether they are a friend of someone with cancer, been invited to a cancer screening or have been recently diagnosed, we are help to help. We can answer any question on any cancer and provide:

• 70 booklets and over 280 factsheets on all types of cancer. Including treatments, screening, side effects, emotional issues and practical advice on living with cancer.
• A freephone helpline (0808 800 1234) answered by one of our helpline nurses who provide a personal service to people affected by cancer. Users include people seeking information about their diagnosis or treatment, those seeking information about their risk of developing cancer and people asking how best they might support a relative or friend with cancer.
• A comprehensive information website, www.cancerbackup.org.uk. The website contains over 6500 pages of up-to-date cancer information; we ensure that it stays accessible and easy to use for all so every page can be reached within three clicks of a mouse.

Kens story

'I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma seven years ago, which thankfully was still at an early non-invasive stage. Although I had noticed this mole on my arm enlarging and changing colour it was still some time before I actually went to the GP and was then sent to a Dermatologist who confirmed the problem. As a result of the diagnosis I had a small operation to remove the mole within a week.

Had my wife not pestered me to get to the GP, the problem would have become worse and with more serious consequences. It is vital to arrange a visit to your GP as soon as you become aware of any unusual symptoms as early diagnosis and treatment is the key to achieving the best outcome'

Facts about male cancer

• The most common cancers in men are lung, prostate and bowel cancer, making up more than half of the total cancers diagnosed each year.
• Lung cancer is the second most common cancer among men with around 22,000 cases each year. 20,000 of these cases are men who have smoked.
• Around 20,000 men are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year. Keeping fit, taking exercise and eating a healthy diet reduces the risk of bowel cancer.
• The number of men diagnosed with skin cancer has increased by 50% in the last ten years, but in a survey 32% of men said they would not go to the doctor with suspect moles.
• With improvements in treatments, diagnosis and better drugs, the chances of surviving cancer are getting better and better every year.