Testicular cancer most often affects young men. The average age at diagnosis is just 35, with almost 80% of cases occurring in individuals between 20 and 44 years old. This is an important reason to discuss men’s health and prevention. This Thursday, November 5, the lobby of Olivia Star will host the exhibition “YES to Balls!”, prepared as part of the Dziennik Bałtycki’s social and educational project.
Following the “You, Women, Are Strength” exhibition, dedicated to breast cancer prevention, Olivia Centre continues the conversation about health and the importance of early diagnosis. This time, the focus will be on men.
Men’s Health in Numbers
It is important to speak openly about prevention, as cancer can affect men of all ages. Testicular cancer is a good example of this. Although an average of about 1,200 cases are diagnosed annually in Poland, it is the most common malignant neoplasm among men aged 15–44.
With age, however, the risk of prostate cancer increases, which is the most frequently diagnosed malignant neoplasm in men in Poland. According to data from the National Cancer Registry, in 2023, it accounted for 24.5% of all new malignant cancer diagnoses in this group.
These data show how crucial oncological vigilance is at every stage of life. Knowing one’s own body, reacting to alarming symptoms, and consulting a doctor about the need for appropriate tests can help in early detection of the disease.
Pomeranian Athletes Play on One Team
The ambassadors of the campaign and the heroes of the exhibition are well-known Pomeranian athletes representing various disciplines.
- Piotr Nowakowski (Energa Trefl Gdańsk volleyball player),
- Tomasz Wójtowicz (Lechia Gdańsk footballer),
- Adam Nowicki (athlete, marathon runner, Olympian),
- Filip Zaborowski (swimmer, Olympian),
- Rafał Stępień (PGE Wybrzeże Gdańsk handball player),
- Piotr Szeszutek (Energa Ogniwo Sopot rugby player),
- Szymon Malicki (AZS AWFiS Gdańsk table tennis player),
- Arkadiusz Stubba (Karate Senshi Club karateka),
- Rafał Urbański (MMA fighter, MMA Team Tczew).
We usually see them on sports fields, tracks, swimming pools, and mats. This time, they have joined forces for a common goal: to encourage men to get tested, break stereotypes, and consciously take care of their health.
The campaign “YES to Balls!” (or “YES to Testicular Health!”) reminds us that fear of diagnosis or shame should not prevent a visit to the doctor. Early detection of the disease can be crucial for treatment effectiveness. An integral part of the project is a broad information and education campaign conducted by Dziennik Bałtycki, involving oncology experts, psychologists, and representatives of foundations and organizations supporting cancer patients. Through articles, interviews, specialist advice, and patient stories, the editorial team aims to provide reliable knowledge, debunk myths, and break taboos related to men’s health.
Olivia Star to Light Up Blue
On November 4, Olivia Star will light up blue, symbolically supporting the campaign and reminding everyone of the importance of cancer prevention.
The “YES to Testicular Health!” exhibition will be available for viewing in the Olivia Star lobby for two weeks, from November 4 to November 12. We invite you to visit!
YES to health. YES to prevention. YES to Testicular Health!
Patient Guide: Prevention is a Man’s Business
Data from:
National Oncology Portal, “Testicular Cancer – Epidemiology,” published January 14, 2026.
National Oncology Portal, “Prostate Cancer – Epidemiology.”
National Cancer Registry, “Malignant Neoplasms in Poland in 2023,” January 2026 edition.
