Testicular Cancer

What is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer describes a group of cells growing abnormally within the testicles. It is most common in men aged between 18 and 35 years and effects approximately 1 in 500 men between the ages of 15 and 50.

Can I prevent testicular cancer?
So far, testicular cancer has not been linked to many of the lifestyle factors we explain as related to other cancer types. Our recommendations encourage a healthy lifestyle which will help the body to function at its best:

1. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables, pulses, seeds and nuts.

2. Reduce the amount of red meat you eat, and load up with oily fish instead.

3. Relax and have time to yourself. Enjoy it.

4. Exercise and spend time outdoors as much as you can.

5. Drink plenty of water, and then some more.

6. Avoid things that you know are bad for you. Alcohol and smoking are obvious examples!

Learn more about nutrition and exercise.

How do I know if I testicular cancer?
It is important to do a simple testicular self examination once a month. This is best done following a bath or hot shower, as the scrotum, which the testicles are in, will then be looser. Each testicle should be examined for pea-shaped lumps or hardening. Normally a testicle should be smooth. You could print out the self exam guide for easy reference.

Other symptoms which to be aware of include unusual sensitivity, reduction in sex drive, change in size of a testis, tiredness, a dull pain in the groin or lower abdomen or blood in semen. If you do find something unusual, or you’re experiencing one of the symptoms, go and see your doctor. And remember that they see and talk about testis all the time. It’s their job.