Testicular Cancer

What is it?

The testicles - just in case you don't know by now - are two glands found in the scrotum that produce sperm and hormones. Cancer of the testicles is a disease that affects mainly young men and, while it can't be prevented, it is one of the most treatable cancers when it is detected early.

What are the effects?

If you find a lump in your testicle it will, more than likely, be removed. The testicle that is. This allows the doctors to make a diagnosis and also prevents the cancer from spreading to other parts of your body. Removing a testicle won't affect the way you perform in bed or anywhere else. The other one produces enough hormones and sperm for you to continue as usual. Also, a silicone implant in the scrotum will leave others none the wiser.

What age group is most affected?

It's often referred to as the young man's cancer because testicular cancer is the most common cancer among men between 20 and 35 years of age.

Who is it most likely to hit?

1. Men who have had an undescended or partially descended testicle.
2. Boys who reach puberty very early.
3. Men with a family history of testicular cancer.
4. Men with mothers or sisters who have had breast cancer.
5. Overweight men.

What are the symptoms?

You may have testicular cancer and experience no symptoms at all. These, however, are some of the symptoms that should alert you.

1. Enlargement of the testicles.
2. A lump in either testicle.
3. Heaviness in the testicles.
4. Change in the consistency of the testicle.
5. Sudden accumulation of fluid or blood in the scrotum.
6. Pain in back or abdominal discomfort.
7. Breast enlargement.
8. Blood in semen.
9. Testicular discomfort and, more rarely, pain in the testicles.

Diet

If you're still looking for a reason to shed your flabby bits, here it is: cancer is more common among fat people than among thin people. Small, seemingly-insignificant changes to your diet can make a difference, like changing from full-cream milk to two percent, or cutting the skin off your chicken.

Lifestyle

The best security against testicular cancer is simple: know your nuts. Testicular cancer is more easily treated and cured when detected early. The sooner you learn to do a TSE (testicular self-examination) and the more often you do it, the better. Here's how:

1. Once a month in the bath or shower, start by examining each testicle separately.
2. Using both hands, roll the testicle between two fingers (index and middle finger) and your thumb. A small, firm area will be felt at the back of the testicle. This is called the epididymis and is normal _ not to be confused with abnormal lumps. The most common lump to feel for is a painless pea-size one on the front or side of the testicle.
3. Do the same with the other testicle. It's normal for one testicle to be larger than the other, but be aware of any changes.
4. Check for swelling by standing in front of the mirror.
5. If you find something, don't panic. It could also be a cyst or an infection. But go to the doctor. If he prescribes antibiotics and there is no change after a week, follow it up.