A South African cancer survivor is turning to gaming to make life-saving cancer awareness more accessible for young people.
South Africa (24 June 2026) – Early detection saves lives. It really is that simple.
In South Africa, where far too many cancers are only diagnosed once they’ve already progressed, knowing what to look out for can make a big difference. Spotting warning signs early can mean quicker treatment, better outcomes and far less emotional, physical and financial strain on patients and their families.
That’s why cancer survivor Torsten Koehler is building something different.
Koehler, founder of the Love Your Nuts Foundation, is developing a gaming app designed to help young people learn about cancer in a way that’s engaging, accessible and relevant to their lives.
The app will use interactive games, quizzes and challenges to teach users about warning signs, prevention, healthy habits and when it’s time to seek medical advice.
The Love Your Nuts Foundation has spent more than a decade raising awareness around testicular cancer and men’s health. Now, through the new Cancer Gaming App, the organisation is expanding that mission to help educate young people about a wider range of cancers, while encouraging prevention, early detection and better-informed health choices.
“Many cancers can be successfully treated when detected early, yet awareness among younger people remains alarmingly low,” says Torsten Koehler. “We need to meet the next generation where they are, on digital platforms, and make health education something they actively engage with rather than avoid.”
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The content will be medically reviewed to make sure it’s accurate, trustworthy and genuinely useful.
The long-term vision is to roll the platform out across South Africa through schools, youth organisations and community programmes, and eventually expand it into the rest of Africa and beyond.
“Traditional awareness campaigns don’t always connect with young people,” Koehler explains. “Gaming gives us a chance to turn education into an experience – something engaging, memorable and powerful enough to influence real behaviour.”
Right now, the Love Your Nuts Foundation is looking for corporate and philanthropic partners to help bring the app to life. Funding will go towards development, medical review, content creation, legal compliance, privacy protection, child safeguarding measures and the eventual rollout into schools and communities.
“Every young person deserves access to life-saving health information in a format they understand,” says Koehler. “Our goal is simple: to empower young people across South Africa, the African continent and beyond with knowledge that could one day save their life, or the life of someone they love.”
Organisations interested in partnering with the Love Your Nuts Foundation or supporting the Cancer Gaming App are encouraged to get in touch and find out more.
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