Testicular Cancer: Speak up and Speak out

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men ages 15 to 34 with over 8,700 men expected to be diagnosed in 2017.

Risk factors for testicular cancer include having had an undescended testicle or abnormal development of the testicles, having a personal history of testicular cancer, having a family history of testicular cancer (especially in a father or brother) and being white.

Testicular cancer is highly curable when detected early, and 95% of patients with testicular cancer are alive after a five-year period. However, about half of men with testicular cancer do not seek treatment until the cancer has spread beyond the testicles to other locations in the body.

Young men are often reluctant to talk about changes in their body or health. Or they simply may not be aware that some changes are not normal.

It is important for parents, pediatricians, coaches, teachers, and the community to SPEAK OUT and help spread the word about testicular cancer. Young men should be aware of what to look for and to SPEAK UP to tell someone if they have an abnormal change.

When Should Young Men SPEAK UP?

It is vital for young men to see a physician right away if they have any of the following symptoms:

• a painless lump in the testicle
• a feeling of weight in the scrotum
• swelling of the testicle (with or without pain)
• pain or a dull ache in the testicle, scrotum or groin

Testicular cancer can spread quickly so it is important to see a physician as soon as a symptom is noticed in order to identify the cause.

Please click here for info on how to conduct a self-exam: Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation

How Can We SPEAK OUT So Young Men Are Aware?

Educating young men on how to conduct self-exams, what signs to look for, and the importance of seeing a physician for any abnormal findings are key to detecting testicular cancer early.

Here are some ways we can help:

• Educate young men at middle and high school health classes, college health fairs, sports physicals, etc.
• Physicians/Healthcare providers can start conversations during yearly well check-ups
• Parents can open up dialogue during health discussions
• High school health career classes and sports teams can host cancer awareness activities

Sources:

• National Cancer Institute
• American Urological Association
• Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation