You may not have heard much about testicular cancer, but
if you're a man between the ages of 15 and 35, you should know that it's
the most common form of cancer among men your age. You should also know that
testicular cancer can occur in men any time after puberty--even into their
40s and 50s--and that, if found early, it is highly treatable.
If
testicular cancer is found in its early stages, more than 90 percent of cases
can be cured. As with most types of cancer, early detection is key. The best
way to detect testicular cancer early is to perform regular
testicular self-examination.
Some signs to look for are pain,
swelling, or hardness in the testicles, or some combination of these
symptoms. Sometimes, there will be a small, painless lump on a testicle.
There may also be a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, an ache in the lower
abdomen or groin area, an accumulation of blood or fluid in the scrotum, or a
change in the way a testicle feels. (Remember, though, that these symptoms
do not necessarily indicate cancer. There could be other causes, such as an
infection. If you have any of these symptoms, speak to a
doctor.)
