Testicular Cancer
When you think of cancer in Men, most think of prostate cancer, colon cancer, or maybe even lung cancer.
Testicular cancer is less common than these types of cancers but it is the most common cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35. It can occur in any man at any age but is considered a young man’s disease! Testicular cancer is treated by surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of treatments. You are at greater risk of testicular cancer if you have a history of an undescended testicular, abnormal testicular development, Klinefelter’s syndrome or a family history of testicular cancer. One of the best ways to check for testicular cancer or any change in the testicles is to do a testicular self exam (TSE) every month. It is best done after a warm bath or shower.
- Stand in front of a mirror and check for any swelling of the scrotum.
- With your thumb and index finger, gently roll each testicle between your thumb and finger. The testicles should feel round and smooth and there shouldn’t be any pain. Don't be alarmed if one testicle feels slightly larger than the other.
- Also check the epidedymis, the soft, tube like structure behind the testicle that collect and carries sperm.
If you find a lump or are just not sure about what your feeling, be sure to see a health care provider right away. It might be an infection such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). These need to be diagnosed and treated promptly to maintain your fertility or ability to father a child.
For more information on Testicular Heath please visit http://tcrc.acor.org.
For information on Men's Health including Men's Health Week visit the Men's Health Network at www.menshealthnetwork.org.
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