Though rare, it is important for all men to learn about testicular cancer and know what to look for should they experience any concerning symptoms. Testicular cancer is highly treatable and usually able to be removed completely upon detection.
According to American Cancer Society, there is a 99 percent survival rate for testicular cancer diagnosed in the localized stage. Early detection is a key factor in survival rates.
Here are five things you should know about testicular cancer:
- Males of any age can develop testicular cancer, from infants to the elderly. About half of all cases of testicular cancer are in men between the ages of 20 and 34, and Caucasian-American men are more likely to get testicular cancer than men of other races.
- Testicular cancer is rather uncommon; a man’s chance of developing it is about 1 in 250 over his lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society.
- Symptoms for testicular cancer can often be mistaken for other issues. Common symptoms include a painless lump on or in the testicle, a swollen testicle, a heavy or achy feeling in the lower belly or scrotum, breast growth or soreness, or signs of early puberty in adolescent boys. Lumps may be as small as a grain of rice or a tiny pea under the skin or deep within the scrotum.
- Routine testicular self-exams help you learn what is normal for your body and when something may seem different. If you have any concerns, talk with your doctor immediately. For more information on how to perform a testicular self-exam, visit the Testicular Cancer Society’s How to do a Monthly Testicular Self-Exam.
- Risk factors may play a role in the likelihood of developing testicular cancer. If any close family members have had testicular cancer, you may be at a higher risk for developing this type of cancer. Other risk factors include if you have an undescended testicle, cancer in the other testicle or if you have been diagnosed with HIV.
If you notice any changes in your testicles, speak with your healthcare provider so that the cause can be found and treated if necessary.
If you have questions about testicular cancer, call askSARAH at (844) 482-4812 to speak to a nurse who is specially trained to help with your cancer questions or visit askSARAH online.
It is important to know that the information in this post, including Sarah Cannon’s recommendations for screening, is accurate as of the publishing date.