The incidence of testicular cancer has been increasing in the U.S. The good news? It’s highly treatable, especially when discovered early.
Every year, about 9,720 new cases of testicular cancer are diagnosed — and the average age at diagnosis is about 33, according to the American Cancer Society.
But here’s a better statistic: Because this cancer can be treated successfully, a man’s risk of dying from this cancer is low, around 1 in 5,000. (For perspective, compare this to a woman’s risk of dying from breast cancer, which is 1 in 43, or of ovarian cancer, which is 1 in 143.)
“When we can find testicular cancer early — when it’s small and before it has spread — we have the best chance for a cure,” said Dr. Brian Rini, a genitourinary oncologist with Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
The importance of knowing your body
“The sooner we can get a diagnosis, the better the outcome.”
Unlike some other cancers, testicular cancer is often easily detectable. Some men can spot changes early just by touch — they might feel a lump, or notice that one testicle is larger than the other or more swollen than normal. “Doing testicular self-exams once a month can help you find cancer early,” Rini said.
Become familiar with the normal feel of your testicles. Then, to do a self-exam, follow these steps:
- Conduct the exam during the shower or a bath, or right after.
- Feel each testicle with both hands, rolling each between your fingers.
- Feel for any lumps or nodules, and note any change in the size and texture.
- Be familiar with the epididymis, a stringlike structure that runs on the back of each testicle. You don’t want to confuse this with a lump.
- Note any soreness or pain; however, most cases are painless.
Risk factors for testicular cancer
It’s equally important to understand if you have one or more of the risk factors that could increase your chances of developing testicular cancer. Risk factors include:
- Family history, particularly if your father or brother had testicular cancer
- Undescended testicles (also known as cryptorchidism)
- HIV or AIDS
- Race and ethnicity, as it’s more common in white men
- Cancer in the other testicle
Be sure to discuss these risk factors with your physician.
Symptoms you shouldn’t ignore
Apart from lumps, there are additional symptoms that can indicate testicular cancer. If you notice a dull ache in your lower abdomen, a heavy feeling in your scrotum or swelling of any kind in either testicle, it’s important to consult your physician right away. “Changes in your testicles can have causes other than cancer,” Rini said, “but it’s still important to let your doctor know if you’re unsure about anything you see or feel. The sooner we can get a diagnosis, the better the outcome.”
Expert care
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men, age 35 and under. If you have been diagnosed with testicular cancer, you will want to explore your treatment options and understand how cancer or its treatment may affect your sexual health and fertility. The team at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center combines advanced research and technology to create a treatment plan personalized to you.
