April Cancer Awareness Month: Testicular Cancer

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is a young man’s disease. It is most often found in men between the ages of 15-35 years old. If caught early, testicular cancer has a 99% cure rate.

Risk factors include:

• Age

• Race – white males are 4.5 times as likely to develop this as black males.

• Undescended Testicles

• First degree relative with testicular cancer

• Abnormal development of a testicle

• Klinefelter syndrome – a chromosomal abnormality

Early Detection is Key in Effective Treatment

Monthly self-testicular exams are important as most testicular cancer is painless and can only be detected as a lump on the testicle.

Other symptoms:

• Any enlargement of a testicle

• A significant loss of size in one of the testicles

• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum

• A dull ache in the lower abdomen, back or in the groin

• A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum

• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum

• Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts

As we continue to learn about different types of cancer each month, early detection is so important for survival. Discuss your risks with your healthcare provider today.