April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month
Testicular cancer is the No.1 cancer in younger guys, however it’s highly curable when caught early.
It occurs when abnormal cells within the testicles grow in an uncontrolled way.
In fact, it is the most common form of cancer in 20- to 39-year-old men, fortunately, it is highly treatable and can often be cured.
The five-year survival rate for men diagnosed with testicular cancer is about 95 per cent, which makes it one of the most treatable types of cancer.
Facts:
- Testicular cancer is the second most common cancer in young men (aged 18 to 39)
- There is no routine screening test for testicular cancer so it’s important to be aware of any changes and see your doctor if you have concerns.
- Testicular cancer may cause no symptoms. The most common symptom is a painless swelling of a lump in a testicle.
Did you know that 3 out of 4 men rarely or never conduct self-examinations?
So, this Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, learn how to give your nuts a feel and make today the day you perform a self-examination.
Get to know what’s normal for you. So, if you notice a change — or that something doesn’t feel right — you’ll know to act on it.
Take your time in the shower, get comfortable, and give your family jewels a thorough check. Here are some tips to help get you started:
- A warm shower will put your testicles in the mood.
- Roll one testicle between the thumb and fingers to check for lumps, swelling or pain.
- Repeat with the other testicle.
What to look for:
Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
A less common but significant symptom of testicular cancer is experiencing a persistent sensation of heaviness in the scrotum. This sensation can be similar to a constant weight or pressure in the scrotal area, which may not necessarily be painful but can be unsettling.
Change in the size or the shape of the testicle
Men may observe that one testicle feels noticeably larger or smaller than the other, or they may detect unusual lumps or bumps on the surface. While changes in testicular size and shape can happen due to injury or inflammation, persistent changes require a doctor for a check-up.
Feeling of unevenness
Testicular cancer causes a sensation of unevenness in the scrotal region, where one testicle feels different from the other in terms of size, texture, or consistency. This difference can be subtle and may not always be visible. However, it’s important for men to pay attention to any persistent feelings of asymmetry or unevenness.
Pain or ache in the lower abdomen, the testicle or scrotum
Despite being an uncommon symptom, discomfort or pain should not be ignored, as it could indicate the presence of a tumour or other abnormalities. The pain may vary in intensity and may worsen over time with physical exertion or extended periods of sitting.
Enlargement or tenderness of the breast
Testicular cancer can lead to hormonal imbalances that result in the enlargement or tenderness of the breast tissue.
Found something?
Lumps, bumps and aches can be a normal part of testicle ownership, but if you’ve noticed something that wasn’t there before — or something has changed — it’s time to tee up a visit to the doctor.
For more information, visit https://nutsandbolts.movember.com/