Testicular Cancer Awareness: #TCisNoJoke Testicular Cancer Society.org · Self Exam Info · “Ball Checker” Reminder App · Donate · Symptoms (NJ Urology) · Helpline: 513-696-9827
Source: Jefferson Health
While testicular cancer is rare, it can’t be assumed that it won’t affect you. It has no known cause, but men aged 15 to 35 are at higher risk if they had a undescended testicle at birth, have a family history, or have an abundance of Chromosome 12.
Testicular cancer has no preventative risk factors, so it’s best to catch problems things early through regular self-exams. They should be done at least once a month, starting at age 15. The easiest and most effective time to do one is during or directly after a warm shower, as heat makes the scrotum more relaxed and the testes more accessible.
Quickly, but cautiously, run your fingers up and down all sides feeling for anything abnormal. Any lump that feels rock hard shouldn’t be there and should be brought to a doctor’s attention. A pea-sized lump is more likely to be benign (non-cancerous); a larger one is more likely to be malignant (potentially cancerous or cancerous.)
Because self-exams should start at such a young age, it’s incredibly important parents to inform and encourage their sons. They’ll probably find it to be a bit embarrassing, and won’t do them regularly without being told. Make the conversation light-hearted — laugh with them to make them more comfortable. Provide them with instructional pamphlets or even funny videos online. The more you talk about it, the less embarrassing it can be.
Most testicular cancers are caught at an early stage have a survival rate of 99 percent. The full affected testicle will need to be removed, but it’s an easy treatment to recover from, and there are rarely complications with testosterone production or fertility as the other testicle can “handle all the work” if it is healthy.
That is why you should not delay seeking care the minute something “feels wrong.” Don’t subject yourself to more expensive, extensive treatment — such as chemotherapy — if you don’t need to.