Have the balls to check

Volume 48, No. 12, July 13, 2006

CANCER. Few words have the power to strike fear into the hearts of so many like this word does.

Is it because the disease is the leading cause of death in Australia, with more than 36,000 people dying from cancer each year? The fact that it doesn’t discriminate? Or because most people have been touched by it in some way?

Early Detection
Early detection is a key weapon in the fight against cancer. The good news is that research shows just how effective this may be, with the survival rate for many common cancers increasing by more than 30 per cent in the past two decades, according to the Cancer Council Australia website.

Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is one of the more rare forms of cancer. When found and treated early, testicular cancer is treatable and curable in over 90 per cent of cases.

Likely Candidates
Young men are more likely to develop testicular cancer, with about half of all new cases under the age of 33 years.

Risk factors include:

age — from 15 to 40 years of age,

being born with an undescended testicle,

a family history of testicular cancer,

a history of testicular cancer in the other testicle.

Be Body Aware
Since none of the current known risks for testicular cancer can be prevented, the best protection is awareness of risks, signs and symptoms; early detection, and prompt treatment.

Being body aware allows men to take action early and seek the advice of a doctor, giving a much better chance of being treated successfully if cancer is present.

It is important for men to check their testicles from puberty onwards to establish what feels normal to them — most testicular cancer cases are found accidently by men themselves.

Normal Testicles
Testicles are normally smooth, oval-shaped and rather firm. It is quite normal to have one testicle larger than the other or hanging lower than the other, but they should be the same weight. There should be no pain of discomfort when handled gently.

Technique
There is no one correct technique for checking the testicles. Men are encouraged to get into the habit of feeling and looking at their testicles, checking themselves in a way that is comfortable and convenient.

Some men may find it easier to check their testicles during or just after a bath or shower because the muscles in the scrotum (the sack that holds the testicles) are more relaxed.

Warning Signs
Testicular cancer usually appears first in only one testicle, with:

a hard lump on the front or side of the testicle,

swelling or enlargement of the testicle,

pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum,

an unusual difference between one testicle and the other, or

a heavy or dragging feeling in the scrotum.

If You Find a Change
There are a number of reasons for changes in the testicles. Most will turn out not to be cancer, but all of them need to be checked.

An awareness of lumps, or any change in the size, weight, shape or consistency should be reported to your doctor right away.

Remember, the earlier cancer is detected, the simpler the treatment is likely to be and the cancer cured.

Seek medical advice from your doctor, or telephone the Cancer Council helpline on 13 11 20 if you have concerns for your health.

Sources: Cancer Council Australia: http://www.cancer.org.au
Cancer Council of NSW: http://www.cancercouncil.com.au.