Testicular cancer affects teens. It is found most often in males aged 15-34. That is why it is important to learn how to look for testicular cancer.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 10-15 minutes.
Here's How:
- Your testicles should feel round, smooth, and firm. They may be different sizes.
- You are looking for any lumps (no matter how small) or swelling in your testicles.
- The best time to examine yourself is in the morning after a shower.
- When feeling your testicles, feel them one at a time by rolling your testicle between your thumb and fingers. Take your time.
- Cup your scrotum and look for any change, redness, swelling, or unusual feeling of heaviness.
- The epididymis is a cord like structure at the top and back of the testicle. Carefully check this area for swelling and painful tenderness.
- If you notice any lumps or swelling, or if you feel pain or tenderness inside the testicle when it is lightly touched, you should see your doctor immediately.
- Routine screening is normally done by your doctor during sport's physicals or regular check-up's but it doesn't hurt for you to be aware of your body and any abnormalities that may occur.
Tips:
- Early detection of problems is best and you are the most likely person to notice changes as soon as the occur. Do not feel shy about doing this exam, it is for your health.
- The most common sign of testicular cancer is a painless lump in the testicle. Testicular cancer can strike at any age - even during childhood or during the teen years.
- Risk factors for testicular cancer include family history of testicular cancer, and having a testicle that didn't fall during birth.
