Know Thy Nuts

Testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men under 40 years with over 800 men diagnosed in Australia every year. Yet 60% of those who are most at risk do not know how to check themselves. The good news is-it’s easy.

Patients typically present with a painless firm lump in the testicle. Usually only one testicle is affected by testicular cancer, but in some cases both are affected. Other symptoms include change in a testicle’s size or shape, heaviness in the scrotum, pain in the lower belly or back, or stomach aches. At the same time, testicular cancer can be present with no symptoms.

Why does it happen? The exact cause of testicular cancer is unknown but a number of risk factors have been identified. These include an undescended testicle as an infant, family history of testicular cancer in a father or brother, personal history of testicular cancer or infertility.  There is currently no known link between testicular cancer and injury to the testes (such as hot baths, wearing tight clothes or groin strains)

Testicular Cancer, Cancer Council Australia, © 2020. https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/testicular-cancer Last medical review of source booklet: August 2020.

If you notice any changes, you should visit your GP who will examine your testicles for any lumps or swelling and if needed, order an ultrasound to confirm the presence of a mass. Blood tests are also used to assess for tumour markers. If testicular cancer is diagnosed you will be referred to a urologist and medical oncologist and require removal of the testicle (orchidectomy) to remove the cancer. Further scans will be ordered to assess the need for treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

When caught early, testicular cancer is highly treatable and highly curable. There is no routine screening test for testicular cancer. This is why self-checking is so important. It is vital to understand what feels normal for you. We encourage you to get to know your body and see a GP if you notice any changes.

For an appointment to discuss this issue, please book online via our website or Healthengine or call our friendly staff at Hornsby 9987-2226, St Ives 9440-9411 or Berowra 9456-4889.