Understanding that food is one of the world’s great conversation starters is a cheeky new campaign which seeks to draw attention to a topic that’s typically swept under the carpet. Rude Food has just been launched by ANZUP with the aim of easing conversation around the awkward topics of cancers that hit below the belt (literally) – prostate, testicular, penile, kidney and bladder.

ANZUP has long been an ally in the fight against the disease as a key body behind the ongoing research and trials used to find preventions and treatment. The not-for-profit research charity currently boasts 1,500 medical professionals dedicated to helping those 24,000 Australians diagnosed with these types of cancer every year.

To help get people talking, ANZUP has partnered with some of the country’s best chefs.  The likes of Manu Feildel, Monty Koludrovic (whose dish above was photographed by Jason Loucas), Fast Ed and Luke Hines are all on board, creating dishes with a nod to the body parts ANZUP’s clinical research is focused on.

“The ‘Rude Food’ campaign aims to engage men and women in monitoring their health ‘below the belt’ while learning more about the importance of clinical trial research and how they can get involved,” explains ANZUP CEO Margaret McJannett.

“All of the major milestones in improving cancer treatments worldwide have come through clinical trials, but we still have a long way to go. Anyone who takes part in a clinical trial will get the best possible care, as well as being part of the journey in finding new and better ways to improve outcomes for patients in the future,” she continues. ‘The ‘Rude Food’ campaign objectives are to encourage people to get checked for ‘below the belt’ cancers, generate awareness about the importance of clinical trials in improving treatment and outcomes and to encourage people to ask their doctor ‘Is there is a clinical trial suitable for me?’”

But how can you get involved? Well not only will you be able to tuck into the #rudefood dishes created around the country, but you’ve been encouraged to create your own and share it on your socials – just don’t forget to tag @anzuptrials and hashtag #rudefood.