
"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.
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