Cancer charity sells unusual Christmas 'bauballs'

Courtesy Fallon

Scrotum-shaped Christmas baubles benefiting the London-based Orchid Cancer Society were created to raise awareness of testicular cancer.

Just in time for Christmas, a London-based charity that wants to raise awareness of testicular cancer is selling hand-crafted, shiny red ornaments — in the shape of, well, balls.

The "Bauballs" were created by Matt Robinson and Tom Wrigglesworth of the London-based Fallon advertising agency, who conceived of the idea while doing pro bono work for the U.K.-based Orchid Cancer Charity, which is dedicated to fighting male cancers. "Lots of men don't walk to talk about things like this unless you make it funny," Robinson told TODAY.com.

Similar products benefiting another U.K. cancer charity, Everyman, are for sale on Etsy and have names such as "Santa's Sack" and "Baby, It's Cold Outside." 

The charity stunts bring to mind the annual "Movember" tradition, where men grow mustaches to also promote testicular cancer awareness.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that nearly 9,000 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2012. If detected early enough, the five-year survival rate is nearly 99 percent. Doctors recommend that men perform a self-check monthly by rolling their testes between their thumb and forefinger to check for lumps.

The first batch of ornaments sold out online at checkyourbauballs.com within an hour of going live on Dec. 10, with the proceeds benefiting Orchid. Fallon hopes to have another batch of 50 ready for sale on Dec. 17, for 15 pounds each — about $25.

The agency has plans to expand the campaign next year based on this year's unexpected success, including adding international shipping.

Courtesy Fallon

The "Bauballs" were designed so they wouldn't look out of place on a classy Christmas tree.

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