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Testicular Cancer
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| Like any injury, slipping onto
the crossbar of your bike doesn’t increase your risk of
testicular cancer – but it might extend your vocabulary. |
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What you should know about Ball Bearings and Shot Suspension...
Rare but increasing
The good news is testicular cancer is rare and highly treatable.
Most men who get it are cured. The bad news is it’s the most
common cancer in young men between 15 and 34 years in Ireland. There
are around 90 cases each year, and the number is increasing steadily.
This may be linked to the increasing number of undescended testicles
(the testicle fails to move down into the scrotum after birth).
If you had an undescended testicle, your risk is significantly higher.
You also have a higher risk if your father or brother suffered from
testicular cancer.
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IT’S GOOD
TO CHECK...
It’s good to check your balls regularly. If you do, you
will be aware of any unusual changes. But pick your time and
place carefully as it can attract the wrong sort of attention
on the bus!! Once a month in the bath or shower is just about
right. |
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It’s in your hands
- Be aware of how your balls normally feel by checking them on
a regular basis:
- Check your testicles about once a month, while in the bath
or shower.
- Cradle your scrotum in both hands using fingers and thumbs
to examine and compare your testicles. Small differences in size
are normal.
- Testicles should feel smooth, with no lumps, swellings or hardening
present.
- There is a soft rubbery tube at the top and back of both testicles.
This is called the epididymis. It carries sperm to the penis.
It can be tender and it wobbles. Lumps tend to be firmly fixed
to the testicle.
You should see your doctor if:
- you can feel a small lump or swelling in either ball;
- you notice any hardening of the testicle;
- you can feel a sensation of dragging or heaviness in your scrotum;
- you experience dull aches in the groin;
- you notice any smelly pus or blood in your semen.
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| It’s normal for one testicle
to be lower than the other. It’s nature’s way of
allowing you to cross your legs without screaming. |
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Thankfully, most lumps aren’t cancer. But don’t ignore
a lump – let your doctor decide whether you need further tests.
There is a range of options for treatment. Surgery, radiotherapy
and chemotherapy may be used alone or together. All are highly effective.
After treatment most men can have children and a normal sex life.
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