It’s a sensitive subject amongst men and two words guaranteed to strike fear into their hearts – testicular cancer. Fear of the unknown and the natural reluctance to have their private parts inspected prodded and poked lead many men to wait longer than they should before seeking treatment. Cancer of the testicles is not a common cancer, however, it is the most common cancer in men aged 20 to 34. If caught early however, testicular cancer can usually be treated and cured.
The causes of testicular cancer are not clear, but men born with an undescended testicle may be at greater risk of developing the disease. Other factors may be having a brother with testicular cancer, fertility problems or orchitis (a painful swelling of the testes associated with mumps) or, interestingly, being from a more affluent background! Testicular cancer usually presents as a lump or swelling in one testicle or some other irregularity.
Self-examination is key. A good time to feel the testicles is when you are having a warm bath or shower, when the scrotal skin is relaxed. Feel each testicle by rolling it between thumb and forefinger. You should be aware of how your testicles feel normally, so that you notice anything unusual can be detected, promptly
If Testicular cancer is diagnosed treatment will usually be with surgery and chemotherapy or radiotherapy or any combination of these. The removal of one testicle does not affect a man's sex life or his ability to have erections or father children. An artificial testicle can be inserted into the scrotum to give a normal appearance. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can temporarily interfere with sperm production and as a precaution; many men store their sperm before treatment.
Testicular cancer is one of the most curable cancers and has had its share of celebrity survivors. Jimmy White snooker player, Bob Champion the British jockey and Lance Armstrong who, after treatment for advanced testicular cancer, to date, has won the Tour de France cycle race five times.
The earlier the stage at which your cancer is diagnosed, the better your chances for recovery so if you have any concern, put aside your embarrassment, - after all doctors have seen it all before - and get yourself checked out!