Information aboout testicular self checking for people with a disability

[Sandie27]

Hi, I hope i have come to the right place apologies if not! I am looking for resouces to enable me to talk to my 31 year old son about self checking for testicular cancer. I can’t seem to find anything that will help me explain in simple terms. Embarrassing for both of us without getting it wrong! Thank you

[sianwhite]

Hi Sandi,

You have absolutely come to the right place!

I’ve had a good look around and unfortunately I haven’t found anything about self checking for testicular cancer that is specifically aimed at someone with a learning disability, but there are some easy-to-understand guides out there that might help you understand the process and be able to successfully explain to your son.

If you haven’t already, have a look at the information provided by:

• Macmillan

• Cancer Research UK

• Movember

Movember explains it simply, and uses quite a relaxed, tongue-in-cheek tone which could be helpful.

I hope this helps, interesting to see that it’s so difficult to find this crucial information designed to be easy to understand for someone with a learning disability. I’ll pass it on to the relevant team at Mencap to see if there is anything we can do.

All the best,
Sian

[sianwhite]

Blimey, I spoke too quickly, just found these easy-read guides!

• CHANGE Cancer Series

• Easy Read Health Wales

I hope this helps!

[Sandie27]

Wow! well done! It is the most appropriate information I have seen so far. I am going to pass this onto my GP who was keen to help but unable to find anything suitable. many thanks for you time.

[Lills]

Hi! Talking about anything involving genitalia is always difficult with our ‘kids’ - it’s bad enough with non-disabled offspring! I wonder if he has a favourite carer, or teacher at a day-centre or respite, preferably male, who might take this on for you (assuming an ‘invisible’ Dad). This is not a cop-out but is trying to find the most comfortable way of handling it (!) for you both.

Otherwise I would just be matter of fact, tell him the facts in words he can understand something like ‘Sometimes our testicals (or whatever he calls them) can get a bit poorly, and to make sure this isn’t happening we (you) will need to check them when you have a shower … like this’. Then I would produce two plums in a sock and demonstrate, asking him to copy you on himself. It would probably be a good idea to stress this is a private matter to be carried out when alone in the bathroom (if that’s appropriate) and not in the middle of Tesco! Rinse, and repeat (ad infinitum if your boy is anything like my grandsons!).

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Lills