IT was a case of hair today, gone tomorrow, for four plucky students taking part in a health promotion.

Teesside University students Ross Barber, Adrian Sanderson, Russell Whelan and Martin Kearney all had their chests waxed in public last night to promote breast cancer awareness month, and raise money for the Breast Cancer Campaign.

The Students' Union at the University of Teesside is driving the message home that early detection of breast and testicular cancer is crucial, and it is encouraging students to get into the habit of performing regular self examination checks.

Beth Huntbach, union education and welfare officer, said: "We are hoping that the event will draw attention to the campaign through which we can promote a greater understanding about breast and testicular cancer, and most importantly, encourage students to carry out regular self-examinations.

"Many people do not like to examine their breasts or testicles out of embarrassment or for fear of finding something wrong.

"However, early detection is so important and treatment is much more likely to be successful if cancer is detected early."