Action Cancer campaign launches 'Talking Balls' film

Best known for their star performances in the sell-out History of the Troubles (Accordin' to My Da), Conor Grimes and Alan McKee took centre-stage once again - this time to deliver vital health messages about prostate and testicular cancers.

The pair wrote and starred in the aptly titled 'Talking Balls' mini-film, which was shown at the Sheridan IMAX Cinema at the recent launch of Action Cancer's 2003 Action Man campaign.

A partnership between Action Cancer and local technology company, Sx3, Action Man is a multi-award winning initiative, which has been generating vital awareness surrounding prostate and testicular cancers - which together kill over 220 Northern Ireland men each year - since 2001.

Talking Balls adopted Action Man's trademark irreverent and straight-talking approach to deliver core messages about self-examination, medical check-ups and early detection. It also incorporates the results of Action Cancer's Know Your Bits survey, which revealed that one-third of NI men don't know where their prostate is, 50% don't know how to do a testicular self-examination, and 75% of 18-24 year olds - and 50% of NI men overall - don't know the symptoms of prostate and testicular cancer.

Speaking at the launch, Liz Atkinson, Action Cancer's Director of Services, said: "Action Man has enjoyed invaluable support since its launch three years ago, particularly from Sx3, its overall sponsor This year, we are delighted to welcome Alan McKee, Conor Grimes and the entire production team on board as, while the research shows that there is still a long way to go, initiatives like Talking Balls guarantee that the Action Man message will continue to gain momentum and help save lives as a result."

During the campaign Action Cancer will be operating an information help-line on 028 9080 3344, providing advice on prostate and testicular cancers. Information can also be obtained by logging on to www.actioncancer.org.

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