Wales captain in cancer campaign

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Welsh rugby captain Ryan Jones fronts a new testicular cancer awareness campaign

Wales' Grand Slam winning rugby captain Ryan Jones is leading an initiative to raise awareness of testicular cancer among young men.

The Ospreys number eight, who led Wales to their second Grand Slam in four seasons, is urging other young men to make their own regular health checks.

Experts stress that early detection can save a life.

Waterproof shower cards and posters are to be distributed to governing bodies and leisure centres.

Around 100 new cases are detected in Wales every year.

Testicular cancer is the most common form of the disease in men aged 15 to 44 and despite being rare, the incidence has more than doubled in Wales since 1975.

The disease is 99% curable if caught early and the overall cure rate is more than 95%.

When it comes to testicular cancer our health is quite literally in our hands Ryan Jones

The Health Challenge Wales campaigns will see hundreds of shower cards and posters featuring Jones put up in changing rooms throughout Wales.

Jones said he hoped that that the publicity would dispel the embarrassment that often surrounded the subject and encourage men to examine themselves.

Jones said: "When it comes to testicular cancer our health is quite literally in our hands.

"There is a very high success rate of treatment for testicular cancer if it's caught early enough.

Circulating posters

"Self-examination is crucial and I hope that these shower cards and posters will help remind men to have a quick check after a game, workout or shower.

"It could save your life."

Tony Jewell, the chief medical officer for Wales, added: "Testicular cancer does not have to kill. It can be treated if caught in time.

"With 100 men being diagnosed every year with this form of cancer it's clear that there is a great deal more that we can do to remind young men to regularly examine themselves.

"By circulating posters and shower cards throughout leisure centres and sporting organisations in Wales we hope to raise awareness of this important issue."