Kick Cancer, a new campaign from Shanab, a men’s health initiative by Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) UAE that addresses prostate and testicular cancer, is gaining momentum. Kick Cancer has launched school activations that are geared towards educating UAE students about the positive effects of early diagnosis.

The innovative and global Kick Cancer campaign taps into the emotive force of football, as a catalyst to spread awareness that one in three men will develop cancer in their lifetime and that early detection can save lives. Since the campaign’s reveal, it has been using creative and powerful tools to communicate its messages. One of which is through the #BinChallenge, a viral activation that allows participation from anyone and everyone from around the world through social media. The simple mechanics of kicking a ball that represents cancer, making sure it lands in the bin, and tagging three friends to do the challenge has caught the attention and support of local and international celebrities including Luis Suarez, The F2, Kris Fade, Anas Bukhash, Sherif Fayyed, Frédéric Kanouté, Najmeddin Al Haddad and more.

First 100 men to register will receive a free screening

Early detection can save lives. Kick Cancer is offering the first 100 men to register for a free male cancer screening. Anyone who signs up after can still get 50% off their screening until May 2018. Visit http://kickcancer.ae/cancer-screening/ and a Mediclinic representative will be in touch to arrange your appointment. Sign up today and Kick Cancer before it has the chance to take over.

Kick Cancer Educating the Next Generation

Testicular cancer is the number one cancer that affects young men between the ages of 15 and 35. There is no single cause and some men are diagnosed with no history of risk factors at all. The problems can start at any age, and if left untreated, it can cause significant problems and even be fatal, which is why annual screenings and awareness are so important.

FOCP team has been educating young men across the country through a schools’ initiative that seeks to further understanding of both prostate and testicular cancer amongst this demographic. Through the #BinChallenge and other fun and healthy activities, Kick Cancer teams are visiting schools and youth hubs across the UAE, helping children to get active, and teaching them the importance of taking care of and monitoring their health.

The initiative has had great success so far reaching over 10,000 students across participating schools and groups such as Ras Al Khaimah Academy, Ajman Academy, GEMS Metropole Motor City, the Al Dhaid community, Victoria English School, Australian International School, Sharjah English School and American University of Sharjah. Kick Cancer will reach out to even more communities and educational institutions in the coming days at Jumeirah Creekside, Dubai English Speaking School, Jebel Ali School and more. The students and other members of the academies have also responded positively by spreading awareness on social media through the #BinChallenge. It’s not just good football, it’s football for good, and everyone’s contribution and message could save a life.

“The facts speak for themselves. Local and international research have shown us that prostate and testicular cancer continue to be among the top cancers affecting our male population. These two types of cancer are also among the easiest to detect and treat if diagnosed early. And this is why we urge men to go for regular check-ups. We urge the community to also take an active role in encouraging families, friends and loved ones to go for screenings. Early detection is the difference between life and death,” says Haya Merai, Kick Cancer Project Manager, Friends of Cancer Patients UAE.

For more information, visit www.kickcancer.ae or join us in our ongoing social media conversations via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @KickCancerUAE, #KickCancer2018 #BinChallenge #FOCPUAE.