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Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer most commonly occurs
in men ages 15 to 34 and is one of the most common tumors seen in men under 40. If
detected and treated in its early stages, testicular cancer is nearly 100% curable. But
too often the cancerous lumps are not discovered until the tumor is in an advanced stage.
A monthly testicular self-exam can help detect lumps early in their most treatable stages.
The cause of testicular cancer is
unknown, but it most often occurs in the testes’ sperm-producing cells. Early
symptoms include swelling or pain in the testicle and sometimes pain or discomfort.
High
Risk Alert
- Are you 15 and 40? Men in this age group are at a higher risk of
developing testicular cancer than others.
- Do you have undescended or late-descended testes? Men whose
testicles are undescended or descended late are at higher risk.
- Do you have a family history of testicular cancer?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with
inguinal hernia? Doctors have found a positive correlation between hernia and testicular
cancer at an early age, but the link is still under study.
If you answered "yes" to any or all
of these questions, you are at increased risk for developing testicular cancer. Pay
special attention to testicular self-examination.
How to Do a Testicular
Self-Examination
Any male 15 or older should practice monthly
testicular self-exam. The test takes only a few minutes and is easy to do. Most lumps are
not cancer, but any lump should be immediately checked by a physician.
The best time to check yourself is during a
shower or after a warm bath. Fingers glide over soapy skin making it easier to concentrate
on the texture underneath. The heat causes the skin to relax making the examination
easier.
- Support the testicles in one hand and
feel each with the other hand.
- Gently roll each testicle between the
thumb and the fingers. You'll feel a smooth, tubular structure (epididymis) that covers
the front. back. and bottom of each testicle. Gently separate this tube from the testicle
with your finger to examine the testicle itself.
- Feel for any swelling or lumps.
- If you detect swelling or lumps, see a
physician without delay.
Remember, testicular carcinoma is fully
cureable only when diagnosed early and it is entirely in “your hands”. |
