By Rebecca Kerr 

When fourth year Business student James Falls isn’t playing rugby or smashing out assignments, you might spot him cruising Stirling in his technicolour car – with the boxers to match.

“Why” you may ask?

No, James isn’t just a massive hippie with a keen eye for colourful accessories. He is raising awareness of testicular cancer, in partnership with The Oddballs Foundation.

James is a pioneer in the campaigning game, becoming the first Oddballs Ambassador for the University of Stirling in 2021.

The Oddballs Foundation works to advocate for men’s health issues and encourages men to be proactive towards the risk of testicular cancer.

Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer among men aged 15 to 45 – but it is also one of the most treatable cancer types with an over 95% survival rate.

James, however, stresses that early diagnosis and recognition of the symptoms are key: “All men should be checking themselves once a month.”

“Have a feel of your balls and look for any lumps or bumps. If you find anything that seems off, the best thing to do is to book an appointment with your GP – the sooner the better!”

Raising awareness of testicular cancer is what drives James’ advocacy work – giving talks, planning fundraisers and baring his brightly coloured boxers on social media.

“Humour is powerful,” James said, “if I can make people smile and laugh, it is more likely to break the stigma and start the conversation.”

The Oddballs Foundation is known for their merchandise, selling socks, pants and sportswear in funky neon prints.

Oddballs relies heavily on their 70 national ambassadors – like James – repping this merchandise to catch eyes, raise eyebrows and bring attention to the campaign.

Ambassadors are also encouraged to give talks at their local universities, high schools and youth groups.

James recently spoke to over 300 students at the University of Stirling, hoping to kickstart the conversation among young people.

James worries that men are often too ashamed to open up about their health issues – after all, who wants to be discussing lumpy balls on the lad’s night out?

However, this embarrassment could prevent some men from checking themselves, detecting the symptoms and making that lifesaving call to their GP.

Breaking the stigma and encouraging men to open up about testicular cancer is the end goal for James, saying: “If I can make even one man speak about their health to friends, family members or partners, then all of this has been worth it.”