It’s Not New Year’s Eve, So Don’t Drop the Ball

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spread the word and learn more so men can be diagnosed and treated sooner. Unlike on New Year’s Eve when people are waiting for the ball to drop, the Urology Care Foundation is urging men not to drop the ball when it comes to their testicular health.

Testicular cancer is one of the less common cancers in men, with only 1 out of every 250 men getting diagnosed during their lifetime. While testicular cancer can affect a boy or man at any age, it is most often found between the ages of 15 to 44 years old. It’s always a shock to learn cancer has grown in the testis, especially at a young age. But, with early diagnosis, this cancer can be treated and even cured.

Know the Testicular Cancer Facts:

Symptoms: The most common symptom is a painless lump in the testicle. Other symptoms include swelling of the testicle, with or without pain; a feeling of weight in the testicles; a dull ache or pain in the testicle, scrotum, or groin; or tenderness/changes in the male breast tissue.

Risk Factors: The risk of getting testicular cancer rises for men with a family history, undescended testicles, or germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS), which is typically found during an infertility test.

Testicular Self-Exam: The best time to do a monthly testicular self-exam is after a warm bath or shower while standing when the scrotum is relaxed. It only takes a few minutes.

• Check each testicle. Gently but firmly roll each testicle between the thumb and forefingers. Feel the whole surface. The testis should be firm all around. It’s normal for one testis to be slightly larger than the other.
• Find the epididymis and vas deferens. These are soft tube-like structures above and behind the testicle. These tubes collect and carry sperm. Just become familiar with how these cords feel.
• Look for lumps, swelling, or things that don’t seem right. Lumps or bumps are not normal (even if they cause no pain). Pain is not normal.
• Check yourself at least once per month. Always look for changes in size, shape, or texture. If you notice a lump or any changes over time, you should seek medical help. It may be nothing, but if it is testicular cancer, it can spread very quickly.

Let’s break the stigma of men’s health awareness by talking about this topic and sharing free resources for all:

Testicular Cancer Patient Guide

Testicular Cancer - What You Should Know Fact Sheet

Testicular Self-Exam Web Article