TESTICULAR CANCER

Here you can learn:

• How Common is Testicular Cancer

• How to Check for Testicular Cancer

• Risk Factors

• Warning Signs

• Resources and Links

HOW COMMON IS IT?

The testes are male egg-shaped sex glands that produce sperm and the male hormone testosterone.  Cancer of the testicles is rare, compared to other cancers of male organs.  If detected early and treated promptly, the outlook can be very good.

HOW TO CHECK

Finding a painless lump in the scrotum is often how testicular cancer is first discovered.  Performing a simple three minute testicular self-examination (TSE) once a month will improve the chance of detecting testicular cancer.  The best time to check yourself is after a warm bath or shower, when the scrotal sac is relaxed.  Gently roll each testicle between your thumb and fingers.  Check for any thickening or lump, however small.

RISK FACTORS

Your risk increases if you:

• are between the ages of 15 and 54

• have had undescended testicles at birth

• have a family history

• had infection (mumps orchitis)

• are of Caucasian race

WARNING SIGNS

These symptoms may be caused by conditions other than testicular cancer.  Check with your health practitioner.

• presence of a lump in either testicle

• swollen or enlarged testicle

• feeling of heaviness in the scrotum

• dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin

• pain or discomfort in a testicle or scrotum

• blood in the urine

• enlargement or tenderness in breasts

Links:

Canadian Cancer Society (1-888-939-3333)  www.cancer.ca