HEALTH bosses are encouraging men in Huddersfield to be vigilant and check for signs of cancer.

This month is Male Cancer Awareness Month and the main aim is to raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancer among men.

There are no easy ways to prevent these kinds of cancer.

But men checking for symptoms and visiting a doctor as soon as they notice any changes will give them the best chance of making a full recovery.

Prof Paul Johnstone, regional director for public health at NHS Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “One of the biggest problems we face with men is their reluctance to see a doctor once they notice something is wrong.

“Men tend to keep things to themselves. This is an extremely dangerous game to play.

“Over 95% of men with early stage testicular cancer are completely cured and prostate cancer also has a very good recovery rate if detected early.

“It is vitally important that you go to see the doctor as soon as you identify a change.”

The most common symptoms of testicular cancer include a painless lump or swelling in the testicle, a dull ache in the scrotum and/or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.

Anyone concerned should contact their GP.