Orchid

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About Orchid

Every year over 50,000 men in the UK will be diagnosed with a male specific cancer. Of these men over 47,300 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, over2,200 will be diagnosed with testicular cancer and 600 will be diagnosed with the rare penile cancer. Sadly, these numbers are increasing.

Orchid is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to testicular, prostate and penile cancer and the only registered charity specialising in all three male cancers. Established in 1996 by a young testicular cancer patient, Colin Osborne and the oncologist who saved his life, Professor Tim Oliver, Orchid works to improve the lives of people affected by male cancers through a range of dedicated support services, education and awareness campaigns and a pioneering research programme.

Support services

Orchid offers a comprehensive information service staffed by specialist Male Cancer Information Nurses, a portfolio of publications including comprehensive patient guides on each cancer, a dedicated information website, a newsletter low-down, and a micro site for anyone affected by testicular cancer. Orchid also have Personal Social Health and Education (PSHE) accreditation for a schools resource pack on testicular cancer awareness which is downloadable from the website for use in all UK schools.

The charity also operates the Orchid National Male Cancer Helpline, for anyone who wants information, advice or has concerns for themselves or their loved ones, call 0808 802 0010 or email helpline@orchid-cancer.org.uk

All services are free of charge.

Educational campaigns and raising awareness

On a national level Orchid raises awareness of male cancers and educates men in the signs and symptoms of cancer through campaigns such as the annual Orchid Male Cancer Awareness Week. The charity works closely with schools, colleges, hospitals and GP surgeries, community centres and voluntary agencies to ensure people are well informed and supported - this includes delivering Roadshows, Information and Awareness Events and Wellbeing Sessions all around the UK.

A pioneering, world class research programme

Funding of innovative and cutting edge research in the cancer field remains a key focus of Orchid’s work. The research programme has identified new ways to treat male cancer and improved our understanding of how these cancers work.

Orchid also funds the ‘Orchid Tissue Bank’, one of the largest collections of male cancer histopathology (cancerous tissue) in Europe. It is a vital resource for ongoing research projects aimed at better understanding and treating male cancers all across the globe.