Why Hispanics should join the Feeling Nuts Challenge

The Ice Bucket Challenge did wonders for ALS , but there are many other diseases out there in need of research funding. To try and help motivate men for  another important cause, celebrities and doctors around the country are now promoting the Feeling Nuts Campaign.

If you haven’t guessed, the Feeling Nuts Campaign has nothing to do with adventure-style pictures, but has everything to do with spreading awareness about testicular cancer. Individuals participating in the awareness project share images of themselves grabbing their crotches–to prove they have checked themselves for testicular cancer. Whether you agree with the mildy-obscene marketing tactic or not, it’s undeniable the cancer can have serious consequences for men.

SEE ALSO: Ice Bucket Challenge goes viral; raises millions for ALS

Actor Hugh Jackman is the most recent celebrity to join the challenge, sharing a photo of himself and several other friends–including Nigel Barker–on Twitter. “I accept #feelingnuts raising awareness for testicular cancer,” he Tweeted. “I nominate @ActuallyNPH (Neil Patrick Harris) @michaelstrahan @rickygervais.” If you dare to look at the (NSFW) post on Twitter: click here

Ricky Gervais has already completed his part of the bargain, passing his nomination on to William Schatner.

Why is the Feeling Nuts Challenge so important?

Though considered lewd by some standards, the Feeling Nuts Challenge is bringing awareness to an important issue in the United States–testicular cancer. Though considered rare, testicular cancer still affects approximately 8,000 men annually in the country, causing several hundred deaths. The American Cancer Society (ACS) indicates testicular cancer can develop in one or both testicles in men of any age, including infants and the elderly.

What’s interesting to note is that unlike other cancers that include older age as a risk factor, testicular cancer tends to affect more young men. Almost half of all cases of testicular cancer are in men between the ages of 20 and 34.

Hispanics should take particular interest in the Feeling Nuts Challenge; earlier this year, experts released data showing testicular cancer is on the rise in young Hispanic men, rising 3.8 percent annually over the last 10 years, despite the fact the rate has remained unchanged among non-Hispanic white men.

SEE ALSO: This cancer is on the rise among young Hispanic men

“The risk of testicular cancer among white men is about 4 to 5 times that of black men, and more than 3 times that of Asian American men,” indicates the ACS.  “The risk for Latinos and American Indians falls between that of Asian and white men. The reason for these differences is not known. Worldwide, the risk of developing this disease is highest among men living in the United States and Europe. It’s lowest among men living in Africa or Asia.”

Some research suggests that men who are infected with HIV are at a higher risk for testicular cancer, which may account for some of the disparity seen between Hispanics and other ethnicities. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates Hispanics have an HIV infection rate three times that of non-Hispanic whites.

Thankfully, when caught early, testicular cancer is rarely fatal–one of the reasons people are promoting the Feeling Nuts Challenge. All it takes is a thorough examination of the testicles to make sure there are no irregular lumps or bumps and a follow-up visit with your physician.

And ladies, the Feeling Nuts Challenge isn’t just for men; while you don’t have to take a picture of yourself holding your significant other’s downstairs, a number of female celebrities have sent out “crotch grab” selfies to show their support of this serious medical condition.