Testicles - Testicular cancer

"The lifetime risk of a male developing testicular (testicle) cancer is 1 in 316!"

The problem

• Testicular cancer is the most common cancer experienced by men aged 15-35 years.
• Men outside this age group can still develop this cancer, the only difference is that it is not the most common cancer for that age range.
• The cause of testicular cancer is unknown.
• The rate of this cancer is rising.

Definitions

Testicles

"Balls" that hang inside a skin sack underneath a male's penis.

Scrotum

The skin bag that holds the testicles

Cancer

Abnormal growth of cells usually forming a lump

How to check your testicles

Once a month, check each testicle by gently rolling it between your thumb and one or two fingers. Perform this check after a warm shower or bath when the scrotum skin is soft and the testicles are down further from the body.

"Get to know what your testicles feel like and what is normal for you!"

What to look for

Lumps (usually on the front or side of the testicle); swelling; discomfort; change in size and shape (other than normal teenage growth of the testicles); a sensation of heaviness in the testicles.

If you have a problem, it is important to realize that you may have only some of the symptoms listed here and not all of them.

What to do if you think there might be a problem

Immediately swallow your pride and get medical advice. A doctor will examine your testicles and advise you if there is a problem. If testicular cancer is detected early in its development, then the cure rate is almost 100%! If there is a problem, the longer you leave it to go to the doctor, the less chance of total recovery.

The fears you need to overcome to go to the doctor are: the fear of the unknown; the fear of having to expose your private parts; the fear of having an erection when the doctor is examining you; fear of the consequences if cancer is diagnosed; fear of death; fear of what others will think.

Further Information

This link has an in-depth medical discussion on testicular cancer.

This link has an in-depth medical description of the testicles and how they operate.