Health, Men's Health
Not only should we be encouraging, and dare I say – lending a hand to our partners – we should also be educating our sons to (TSE) self-examine.
Many are not aware that testicular cancer is the most common cancer among males between the ages of 15-45, so as mothers it’s our job to make sure our boys are informed. When detected and treated early, testicular cancer is one of the most curable forms of cancer with a 99% survival rate.
Ryan Walshe was diagnosed with testicular cancer when he was only 20 years old, he has undergone treatment, and the cancer was destroyed. Ryan now raises awareness and educates through talking about his experience, and has much sound advice. Please pass it on and use it.
Signs and Symptoms The most common symptom of testicular cancer is swelling or a hard, pea-sized lump on one testicle front or back.
Other symptoms include:
• A pulling sensation or feeling of unusual heaviness in the scrotum / bag
• A dull ache in the groin or lower abdomen
• Pain or discomfort (which may come and go) in the testicle or scrotum
• Collection of fluid in the scrotum (called a hydrocele) • Feeling unusually very unwell and tired
• Any enlargement of the testicle or testicles
• Very rarely, if the cancer is at a later stage, symptoms can include breast tenderness and swelling of the breast area “Man boobs” although this can be normal in some boys, back pain, shortness of breath and coughing up blood.
The Exam All men should perform the exam once a month from the time they are 15 years old. The testicular self-examination, or (TSE), is a quick, simple, painless, exam that you can perform on yourself in the privacy of your own home. The exam takes only about three minutes to properly perform. By performing it regularly, you will become familiar with what is normal for your testicles so that you will be better able to recognize changes. Early detection of testicular cancer can make a difference in the treatment of the disease.
How to Check Your Testicles The best time to perform the TSE is during or immediately after a warm shower or bath, when the muscles in the scrotum are relaxed, making it easier to perform the TSE concentrating on the texture underneath and increasing the likelihood that you will feel any lumps ,growths or tenderness on your testicles.
Performing the Exam Gently examine each testicle one at a time with both hands. Place your index and middle fingers under the testicle and your thumbs on top. Gently roll the testicle between your thumbs and fingers. Feel for any small, hard lumps on the testicle. Repeat the process with the other testicle. Look and feel for any hard lumps or nodules (smooth rounded masses) or any change in the size, shape, or consistency of the testes. You should not feel any pain when performing the TSE. It is normal for one testicle to be a little larger than the other, and for one testicle to hang down a little lower.
The testicles should be smooth and firm to the touch. You should be aware that each normal testis has an epididymis, which appears as a small “bump” on the upper or middle outer side of the testis. Normal testicles also contain blood vessels, supporting tissues, and tubes that conduct sperm. Some men may confuse these with cancer. If you have any doubts, ask your doctor. Sometimes, the testicle can be enlarged because fluid has collected around it. This is called a hydrocele. Other times, the veins in the testicle can dilate and cause enlargement and lumpiness around the testicle. This is called a varicocele. To be sure you have one of these conditions and not a tumour; you need to have a doctor examine you.
What if I find a lump? If you find a lump on your testicle, see a doctor immediately. The lump may not be cancer, but if it is, the chances are very good that it can be treated. Testicular cancer has a 99% survival rate, but it is extremely important to catch the cancer early. If you have any concerns about what you find during self-examination, see your doctor. Do not dismiss your concern or hope it will go away.
Keep these symptoms in mind, help detect cancer quickly in your partner, and pass on this information to your sons.
A donation has been made to Ryan Walshe’s Talking Testicles Organisation for help with this article and with the hope that no young man loses his life to Testicular Cancer.
