UK cancer charity Theoddballsfoundation has launched a free ‘Check Yourself’ app designed to help men detect instances of testicular cancer.

With over 16,000 new cases of testicular cancer diagnosed in the UK each year, early detection means that 95 per cent of males will make a complete recovery. Footballer Alan Shearer and international rugby referee Nigel Owens are among the celebrities encouraging app users to check themselves regularly.

The charity also helps to fund a male health programme called ‘Offload. Run by the Rugby Football League, it is a 12- week programme designed to educate males on the importance of physical and mental health, with a week dedicated entirely to testicular cancer.

“Unless we get a reminder, most of us just don’t think about it,” said Stephen Harper, former Premier League footballer and patron of the charity. “Most of us have our phones in our hands, so there is no excuse not to download the app It’s very simple, with a monthly reminder so you can’t forget. This could save your life.”