April 2025

One of the biggest challenges in medicine I’ve heard my patients tell me is how difficult it is getting their husband to go to the doctor. Its true many guys do often put off symptoms due to fear of seeing a doctor or not making the time to go. However, our April topic of the month is something every guy can do at home.

Testicular cancer is one of the less common cancers in men, with only 1 out of every 250 men getting diagnosed during their lifetime. While testicular cancer can affect a boy or man at any age, it’s most often found between the ages of 15 to 44 years old.

The most common symptom is a painless lump in the testicle. Other symptoms include swelling of the testicle or a testicle that is achy, painful or feels heavy. There may be swollen glands in the groin area also.

There have been many men diagnosed with testicular cancer with one of the more famous one, Lance Armstrong, have survived advanced stage testicular cancer and has been a vocal supporter of screening.

Screening can be done in the privacy of your home by self-exam. The American Urological Association has guidelines on how to do testicular self-screening:

The best time to do a monthly testicular self-exam is after a warm bath or shower while standing when the scrotum is relaxed. It only takes a few minutes.

• Check each testicle. Gently but firmly roll each testicle between the thumb and forefingers. Feel the whole surface. The testis should be firm all around. It’s normal for one testis to be slightly larger than the other.
• Find the epididymis and vas deferens. These are soft tube-like structures above and behind the testicle. These tubes collect and carry sperm. Just become familiar with how these cords feel.
• Look for lumps, swelling, or things that don’t seem right. Lumps or bumps are not normal (even if they cause no pain). Pain is not normal.
• Check yourself at least once per month. Always look for changes in size, shape, or texture. If you notice a lump or any changes over time, you should seek medical help. It may be nothing, but if it is testicular cancer, it can spread very quickly.

  You can learn more about testicular self exams at their webpage: https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/t/testicular-self-examination

  So “Don’t Drop the Ball” and make sure you are checking for lumps, bumps or areas that don’t feel normal monthly and report those findings to a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Testicular cancer when caught early is curable.