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What We Do

At One For The Boys

We focus on three big things: spotting cancer early, supporting the mental health side of things, and helping young people and communities who often get overlooked.

We know cancer isn’t just about what’s happening physically - it affects your mind and your whole life, and that’s why we’re here to help with all of it.

Whether it’s making sure you know what to look out for, supporting you or your loved ones through the tough times, or pushing for changes to help more people get checked sooner – we’ve got your back.

Take a look at what we do to make a difference:

one for the boys

Mental health impact
of cancer

one for the boys

Support for
loved ones

one for the boys

Education & community
programmes

one for the boys

Cancer and
young people

one for the boys

Awareness
drives

one for the boys

Campaign for
change

whatwedopage-mentalhealthimpactofcancerMental health impact of cancer

Look, cancer is tough. But what doesn’t get talked about enough is how much it messes with your head as well as your body. From the moment you start worrying something might be wrong, all the way through treatment and beyond, it’s totally normal to feel scared, anxious, or just plain overwhelmed.

The thing is, these feelings can get pushed to the side – like you’re supposed to just ‘get on with it’. But that’s not how it works. Whether it’s you dealing with it, or someone close to you, mental health is a huge part of the journey, and there’s nothing wrong with admitting that it’s hard.

We’re here to support you so that you don’t have to go through it alone. No matter where you’re at – just starting to worry, in the thick of treatment, or trying to find your feet after – there’s support and understanding waiting for you.

whatwedopage-supportforlovedonesSupport for loved ones

Watching someone you care about go through cancer is really tough. You want to be there for them, but sometimes it’s hard to know how – or even how to take care of yourself while you’re doing that.

If you’re a partner, a parent, a friend, or just someone who wants to help, you’re not alone. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, worried, or unsure. We get it. That’s why we’re here to offer support and practical advice to help you navigate this rollercoaster alongside your loved one.

Because looking after yourself means you can be there for them, too.

education programmesEducation programmes

Knowing the signs early can make all the difference. That’s why we work with doctors, schools, and communities to help spot cancer sooner – especially in people who might get overlooked or ignored.

Our education programmes are all about giving GPs the tools they need to spot symptoms early, helping young people understand what to look out for, and empowering everyone to speak up about their health.

Because when it comes to cancer, knowledge really is power.

whatwedopage-cancerandyoungpeopleCancer and young people

When you’re young, cancer isn’t really something you think about – and that’s part of the problem. It can also sometimes mean you get dismissed or your concerns aren’t taken seriously. That’s not okay.

We’re here to change that by raising awareness about cancer in young people, offering support, and helping young folks feel confident speaking up about their health.

If you’re young and worried, or know someone who is, we want you to know you’re not alone. It’s always worth getting things checked out. And remember – you know your body best, it’s okay to ask for second opinions and advocate for yourself and your health.

Awareness drivesAwareness drives

Sometimes we all ignore those little things our body’s trying to tell us. Maybe it feels awkward or you just think it’ll go away. That’s why we’re all about getting the word out there – in a way that feels real and easy to understand.

We want everyone to know what to watch for, especially the stuff that doesn’t always get talked about. The sooner you catch it, the better. So, our awareness drives are just about helping people spot the signs early and feel confident enough to get checked.

Because, honestly, a quick check could make all the difference.

Community programmes Community programmes

We get it – talking about cancer or health stuff isn’t always easy, especially if it feels a bit formal or distant. That’s why our community programmes focus on meeting people where they are, in places they know and trust.

Whether it’s a local event, a casual chat, or something fun, we want to create spaces where talking about health feels natural and comfortable. It’s about connecting, sharing stories, and helping people take charge of their health in their own way. Sometimes, a friendly nudge in the right direction is all it takes.

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

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