Health Teachers: Educate to Save Lives

You teach students how to take care of their bodies — this lesson could save their lives

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men ages 15–35, yet most students graduate without knowing how to check for it. You have the power to change that.

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 Health Education Matters

"I wish someone had taught me about testicular self-exams in high school. I found my lump at 22, but by then it had spread. Early education saves lives."

— Marcus, Testicular Cancer Survivor

You teach students about nutrition, exercise, and mental health. Testicular cancer awareness fits naturally into your curriculum — and it's a lesson they'll carry for life. Most young men don't know they should be checking themselves monthly, and many won't learn unless you teach them.

How to Integrate TC Awareness into Your Curriculum

1. Add to Health Units

Include testicular cancer in units on puberty, reproductive health, or cancer prevention. It fits naturally alongside breast cancer awareness.

  • 15-minute lesson on testicular health
  • Self-exam demonstration (using models)
  • Risk factors and warning signs
  • When to see a doctor

2. Use TCF's Lesson Plans

TCF provides free, standards-aligned lesson plans designed for middle and high school health classes.

  • Pre-made slides and handouts
  • Age-appropriate language
  • Interactive activities
  • Assessment tools

3. Show Educational Videos

Engage students with short, impactful videos featuring survivors, doctors, and self-exam tutorials.

  • 5-minute survivor stories
  • Animated self-exam guides
  • Doctor Q&A sessions
  • Myth-busting content

4. Distribute Shower Cards

Give every male student a free shower card with step-by-step self-exam instructions to take home.

  • Order free cards from TCF
  • Hand out during health class
  • Encourage students to post at home

5. Host Awareness Events

Organize school-wide events during Testicular Cancer Awareness Month (April) or Men's Health Month (June).

  • Assembly with survivor speaker
  • Health fair booth
  • Awareness campaigns in hallways
  • Social media challenges

6. Create a Safe Space

Normalize conversations about men's health. Let students know they can ask questions privately.

  • Anonymous question box
  • Office hours for health questions
  • Resource handouts
  • Referrals to school nurses

Free Resources for Educators

📚 Lesson Plans

Complete, standards-aligned curriculum for grades 6–12 with slides, handouts, and activities.

🎥 Educational Videos

Classroom-ready videos featuring survivors, doctors, and animated self-exam guides.

📦 Shower Cards

Free waterproof cards with self-exam instructions for every male student.

📊 Presentation Slides

Editable PowerPoint presentations you can customize for your class.

📝 Student Handouts

Printable fact sheets, self-exam guides, and take-home resources.

🎤 Guest Speakers

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

Addressing Common Concerns

Is it age-appropriate?

Yes. TCF's materials are designed for middle and high school students. The language is clinical, educational, and age-appropriate — similar to how you teach about other health topics.

Will parents object?

Most parents support health education that could save their son's life. TCF provides parent notification letters and opt-out forms to ensure transparency and respect family preferences.

How much time does it take?

As little as 15 minutes. You can integrate TC awareness into existing health units without adding extra class time.

Start Teaching This Life-Saving Lesson

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

Request Free Shower Cards