About One For The Boys

OUR MISSION

“To help people spot cancer early, especially those who are often overlooked, ignored, or less likely to visit a doctor – like younger people, men, and those from underserved communities – and to make sure no one goes through it alone. We’re here to raise awareness, break down stigma, and support the emotional and mental health of those living with cancer, as well as their loved ones. Our goal is simple: to turn a scary diagnosis into a hopeful journey, one conversation at a time.”

About One For The Boys

OUR MISSION

We’re One For The Boys – and we’re here because too many people find themselves dealing with cancer quietly, brushing things off, or hoping things would just sort themselves out.

We’re here to change that.

We’re about making it okay to ask questions, to open up, and to say when you’re scared or not sure what to do next. We want to remind people that checking a lump, going to that doctor’s appointment, or having that conversation can save a life.

We focus on three big things:

Helping people spot the early signs of cancer – and getting checked as soon as possible.
Making sure younger people are taken seriously when they raise concerns about their health.
Helping men and their loved ones open up about the emotional side of a cancer diagnosis – because that stuff can be just as tough as the physical side.

At the end of the day, we’re about getting people talking, looking out for each other, and making sure no one feels like they have to go through this on their own.

Message from Sofia

Our objective with One For The Boys is simple – to get men talking more about their health so they can be proactive in taking action when there’s an issue. A man dies from cancer every 6 minutes in the UK alone. Even going to the doctor when there might be a problem can be a big obstacle for men, feeling like they have to tough it out when there’s a potential issue, or worrying about what the doctor might say. Experiencing cancer has a devastating impact on the person going through it – as well as those around them. And when men do seek help, going through treatment all too often focuses on just getting better physically, with the mental toll put on the backburner.

We want to make sure men have the knowledge and confidence to seek help and get problems checked early, and to get support to help them through their treatment and recovery too. One For The Boys is a team effort – and we all have an important role to play in creating real change for men’s health.

Sofia Davis
One For “The Boys’ Founder

Help spot cancer earlier

Because the sooner it’s found, the better the chance you have.

Support mental health

Helping those going through cancer - and their loved ones - to find their feet when it feels like the ground has been pulled from under them.

Look out for younger people

Making sure that young people know how to look after their health, and that when they do speak up about worrying signs, they’re listened to - and taken seriously.

Message from Simon

I sadly lost my brother, Ali, to cancer at the age of 36. This has made me very aware of the huge impact losing someone so young can have on family and friends. This is why I am working with One For The Boys to encourage men to take action earlier and feel confident speaking up about their health. Not only does One For The Boys advocate for men’s health and help remove the stigma around men talking about their problems, the charity also helps support the mental health side of cancer too.

It’s easy to forget the devastating impact cancer can have on your mental health, when you’re having to work so hard to physically recover. Whether it’s the stress of diagnosis, worrying about the pressure on your loved ones, feeling isolated from friends, or even feeling like ‘less of a man’ due to the impact treatment and recovery takes on your body – more needs to be done to be there for men.

Simon Rainback
OFTB Trustee

”You have to have a responsibility to be aware of your own body, be it a new mole, a little bump, or some soreness that doesn’t seem to go away. Generally, guys have got to be careful about ‘stiff upper lip’ when it comes to medicine. It’s important to speak out, don’t be afraid.
Michael DouglasSupporter of One For The Boys

”One For The Boys was first created in tribute to a friend who died from cancer soon after being diagnosed. Our mission is to help men seek help earlier so cancer can be treated sooner, giving them a better chance of survival. There are also so many mental health factors in play when it comes to diagnosis, treatment and recovery that we aim to support men with.
So!a Davis,Founder of One For The Boys

”When I was asked to chair One For The Boys, it was an honour. This has been an opportunity to use my profile to support a cause that has, not only saved a friend’s life since it was launched but has made me think a lot more about my own health too.
Samuel L. JacksonChairman of One For The Boys

The mission of One For The Boys is to encourage men to seek medical attention sooner while also supporting mental health throughout cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. This will improve diagnosis and cure rates, and help lessen the devastating impact cancer has on men’s lives.

According to the National Cancer Intelligence Network, 1 in 4 cases of cancer are not diagnosed until the patient reaches A&E with symptoms that are usually advanced.

Having symptoms investigated sooner rather than later can greatly improve your chances of survival.

For example, if found early at stage 1, colon cancer has a 74% 5-year survival rate, compared to only 6% if detected later at stage 4. If you notice a lump bleeding, changes in your bowel or urination function, get checked out by your doctor. Early diagnosis saves lives!

Professor Chris Nutting
Consultant and Professor in Clinical Oncology
Royal Marsden Hospital and Institute of Cancer Research

Supported by:

This is the Reality of Cancer for Men

1 in 2 people are going to get cancer.
Early detection can save your life.
#Say Something

What we do

Mental health impact
of cancer

Support for
loved ones

Education & community
programmes

Cancer and
young people

Awareness
drives

Campaign for
change

“

“I never thought I’d get cancer. I mean, I was 24. At that age I wasn’t thinking that much about my health - I just wanted to make the most of my twenties. I ignored the pain I felt in my neck for ages thinking it’d just sort itself out. When it didn’t go away, I still avoided going to the doctor.

I knew something was wrong but I was so anxious about what the doctor would say and that they’d tell me off for for leaving it, that I just pretended I was fine. I finally got diagnosed with stage 3 throat cancer.

My mates were all worried about me and tried to support me, but they didn’t understand what I was going through. They didn’t know how to talk to me, and that just made me feel more broken. I didn’t know who I could turn to for support to get through it all.

Once I was in remission, I found it hard to readjust to normal life again - I’d missed out on so much.”
Male throat Cancer Survivoraged 28

“

“I was already feeling terrified about the prospect of having cancer. But what made it worse was the embarrassment of it being breast cancer. I felt somehow less of a man. It didn’t help when I was looking up information on breast cancer - or even in the waiting room for treatment - all the information around me was specifically related to women. It made me feel even more isolated and alone.”
Male Breast Cancer Survivoraged 39

“

“I’d been feeling more tired than usual and had some lower back pain, but I just assumed it was stress from work. I went in for something else entirely and almost didn’t mention it, but the doctor sent me for scans just in case. They caught a small tumour on my kidney. It turned out to be early-stage cancer. I had no idea something like that could be growing without major symptoms. If I hadn’t said anything, it might not have been found until it was too late. Now I tell everyone: don’t shrug stuff off - even the small things matter.”
Male Kidney Cancer Survivoraged 43

“

“I started having stomach pain and extreme fatigue when I was 16. I went to the doctor a couple of times but was told it was probably just stress or diet-related. Even when I pushed back, I felt like I wasn’t being taken seriously. By the time they finally did the proper tests, it was stage 3 bowel cancer. I kept thinking - if they’d listened the first time, maybe it wouldn’t have gotten this far.”
Young Person Diagnosed with Bowel Canceraged 19

“

“Watching someone you love go through cancer is one of the hardest things. My partner’s always been the strong one — the one who holds everything together. But after his diagnosis, I had to be that person. I didn’t want to break in front of him, so I kept it all bottled up. I was trying to be his rock, keep working, keep the house running — but inside, I was falling apart. No one really checks in on the people supporting someone through it.”
Partner of Cancer Patientaged 37

Get Involved

You can help make a difference, get involved as we encourage people to come together and #SaySomething.

Help us save lives and support families.

Whether you want to fundraise, volunteer, or become a corporate partner, you can help us make a difference.

Check out our latest campaigns.

From early detection drives to mental health support, we’re making a big impact across the world. See what we’re up to - and how you can help.

Join us at an upcoming event

Be part of one of our exciting events that encourages people to come together and #SaySomething.