Testicular cancer campaign backed by Glasgow Warriors poster boy Chris Cusiter

Nov 19 2009

Chris Cusiter

LOOK after your body.. as your health may depend on it says Warriors ace Chris Cusiter

Glasgow Warriors scrum-half and Scotland captain, Chris Cusiter, was the centre of attention in the city's Buchanan Street last night as he overcame his blushes to model for a new testicular cancer awareness campaign.

The Aberdonian posed in his underpants for a 60ft pin-up picture which was projected on to the wall of the Buchanan Galleries shopping centre in Glasgow.

Cusiter admitted he was nervous about stripping off but said he couldn't say no to such a good cause.

"It''s great to be involved in such an important campaign," said the 27-year-old.

"Testicular cancer is a subject that many men may be embarrassed to talk about, or they may be unaware of it altogether."

Testicular cancer is relatively rare but it is the most common form of the disease in men aged 15-45. A regular self-check can help detect early signs, says Cancer Research and, with early treatment, there is a good chance there will be no further problems.

Another rugby player lent his backing to the campaign yesterday, but stopped short of dropping his dungarees.

Farmer David Pottinger, 36, who plays for Caithness Rugby Club, was only 23 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996.

He discovered a lump after watching a programme which explained the importance of checking and left it for a week or two before seeing a doctor.

Within days he had begun treatment, which initially appeared to have been successful. A few months later it was discovered that the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes and he needed a course of chemotherapy and another operation.

"I was only 23 and pretty fit from my rugby and working on the farm, so cancer was the last thing I was expecting," he said.

"If I had left it any later, I might not have been speaking to you now."

Cancer Research UK spokesman John Fyall said Cusiter's picture was a fantastic way to raise awareness of one of the few cancers that affects young men.

"It is one of the most curable forms of cancer and early detection offers the best chance of a cure, so events like this to raise awareness of the disease are really important," he said.