Performing a quick check after taking a shower could help save you from a cancer that’s “common” in your 20s and 30s. This check could lead to an early diagnosis of a disease affecting thousands of Brits every year.
According to recent research, not enough people are aware of how prevalent testicular cancer is among young men.
A survey commissioned by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Centre, found that only 13% of US adults correctly identified testicular cancer as most commonly affecting men under 40.
The disease is most prevalent among men between the ages of 20 and 40. Shawn Dason, a urologic oncologist at the centre, commented: “In my experience, a lot of men are surprised that testicular cancer is most common among young men.
“It’s something you’re just not expecting in your twenties or thirties. A lot of young men’s focus might be on developing their career, their day-to-day life. That’s a very different track of mind than perhaps your health.”
In the survey of 1,008 respondents 63% correctly identified that testicular cancer is often curable if caught early, and just over half 54% correctly said that monthly self-checks should be conducted.
Dason continued: “We are really fortunate in testicular cancer that the vast majority of patients are diagnosed at an early stage. That means the vast majority of patients are actually diagnosed before the cancer has had an opportunity to spread to other parts of the body.”
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He added: “Testicular cancer does not typically come with painful symptoms. That’s why routine self-exams are so important to detect any lumps or changes to the testicle.
“If you feel something out of the ordinary, like a lump or bump, or if the testicle changes in size, call your doctor.”
How to conduct a check
According to Cancer Research UK, it’s a good idea to look at and feel your testicles every “now and then”. The charity states that some people find it easier to do this during or after a warm bath or shower.
You should check your testicles for the size and weight, and any lumps or swellings.
You should see your doctor if you have:
- A lump or swelling in part of one testicle
- A testicle that gets bigger
- Pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum. The scrotum is the sack of skin that surrounds the testicles
- A heavy scrotum.
The charity added: “Your symptoms are unlikely to be cancer but it’s important to get them checked by a doctor.”