Coaches: Save Lives in the Locker Room

You're more than a coach — you're a trusted mentor

Every year, testicular cancer strikes 9,760 young men in the U.S., most between ages 15–35. As a coach, you have unique access and influence to help your athletes detect it early — when it's 99% beatable.

9,760
Males will be diagnosed in the United States this year
1 in 250
Males will be diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime
99%
Beatable if caught at stage 1

Why Coaches Matter

"My coach saved my life. He noticed I wasn't performing like usual and pulled me aside. That conversation led me to get checked — and they found it early."

— Jake, Testicular Cancer Survivor & Former College Athlete

You see your athletes every day. You notice when something's off — their energy, performance, or confidence. Young men often won't talk about testicular health, but they'll listen to someone they respect. That's you.

How You Can Make a Difference

1. Start the Conversation

Break the silence in team meetings, locker room talks, or one-on-one check-ins. Normalize testicular self-exams the same way you talk about stretching or hydration.

  • Include TC awareness in preseason health talks
  • Share survivor stories during team meetings
  • Mention it casually: "Check yourselves like you check your gear"

2. Post Shower Cards

TCF provides free waterproof shower cards with step-by-step self-exam instructions. Put them in locker rooms where athletes will see them.

  • Order free shower cards from TCF
  • Post in every shower stall or locker
  • Replace them each season

3. Invite a Speaker

Bring in a testicular cancer survivor or TCF representative to speak to your team. Hearing from someone who's been through it makes it real.

  • Schedule a 15-minute team talk
  • Connect with TCF for speaker recommendations
  • Make it part of your health education program

4. Watch for Warning Signs

You know your athletes. If someone's performance drops, they seem distracted, or they're avoiding the locker room, check in privately.

  • Sudden drop in energy or performance
  • Avoiding showers or changing in private
  • Complaints of lower back or abdominal pain

5. Share Resources

Give athletes easy access to information. Share TCF's website, self-exam guides, and support resources.

  • Add TCF links to team handbooks
  • Share on team group chats
  • Include in parent communications

6. Lead by Example

Talk openly about men's health. When coaches normalize these conversations, athletes feel safe asking questions.

  • Share your own health routines
  • Encourage annual checkups
  • Create a culture of health awareness

What You'll Receive

📦 Free Shower Cards

Waterproof, durable cards with self-exam instructions for your locker room.

📚 Coach's Toolkit

Talking points, conversation starters, and educational materials designed for coaches.

🎤 Speaker Access

Connect with survivors and TCF advocates who can speak to your team.

📊 Digital Resources

Shareable graphics, videos, and links for team communications.

Ready to Save Lives?

Request free shower cards for your locker room — we'll send them at no cost.

Request Free Shower Cards