Every year in the UK, there are 2,400 new cases of testicular cancer. That’s six every day of the week. And cases have increased by 27% since the 1990s.
Testicular cancer is when abnormal cells in a testicle start to divide and grow in an uncontrolled way.
The testicles are part of the male reproductive systems and are made up of different types of cells. The type of cancer you have depends on the type of cell the cancer starts in.
Most testicular cancers develop in germ cells. These are the cells that make sperm.
Although still rare compared to other cancers, testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged between 15-45 years with around 2,200-2,300 men being diagnosed each year. It is more common in Caucasian males.
Most testicular cancers are found by men themselves or their partner, very few are found by a physician. This is why it’s important to be aware of what feels normal for you. By doing the monthly testicular self-exams, you should become familiar with your testicles thus making it easier to notice any changes. Get to know your body and see your GP if you notice any changes. Self-checking could save your life!
If found at an early stage a cure rate of 98% is usually possible and even when testicular cancer has spread to other areas of the body a cure can still be achieved. In fact according to recent research overall 96% of men diagnosed with any stage testicular cancer will be alive 10 years after treatment.
What to Look Out For
The most common symptom of testicular cancer is swelling or a pea-sized lump in one of the testes (balls). There is no current screening test therefore it is important that you look out for the following signs and symptoms.
- A change in size or shape of a testicle.
- Swelling or thickening of a testicle.
- A firm, smooth, initially painless, slow-growing lump or hardness in a testicle.
- A feeling of testicular heaviness.
- A dull ache, or sharp pain, in your testicles, or scrotum, which may come and go
- A dull ache in your lower abdomen
- A sudden collection of fluid in your scrotum
- Fatigue, and generally feeling unwell.
If you find something different or unusual, ask to see your GP. Testicular lumps are covered by the NHS ‘2-week wait’ policy, meaning you will be seen by a specialist within two weeks.
Even if you're worried about what the symptom might be, don't delay seeing them. Your worry is unlikely to go away if you don't make an appointment. The symptom might not be due to cancer. But if it is, the earlier it's picked up the higher the chance of successful treatment. You won't be wasting your doctor's time.
Try not to be embarrassed. What you tell your GP is confidential. Doctors are used to discussing intimate problems and will try to put you at ease.
Useful links:
Some advice form Cancer Research UK can be found below: