Testicular Cancer Prevention and Risk Management

Screening

Testicular cancer is one of the most curable cancers when it is detected early. Most early-stage cases of testicular cancer are first found by the man himself during a self-examination, or during a routine physical examination by a doctor. The testicular self-examination (TSE) involves regularly inspecting and palpitating the testicles. Men (and boys) should perform a regular self-examination and should be aware of signs and symptoms that should prompt them to see their doctor.

The Testicular Self-Examination

Being familiar with the size, shape, and feel of your testicles will help you to recognize any changes that may occur. It is typical, for example, for one testicle to be larger than the other. The best time to do the self-examination is during or right after a warm bath or shower when the scrotal sac is relaxed. Grasp each testicle gently and roll it between your thumb and forefinger to check for lumps or tenderness.

Making a monthly self-examination a part of your routine health care increases the chances that any problems that occur will be found early. The self-examination is especially important for any man who has had testicular cancer because his chances are increased that cancer will recur in the other testicle. Testicular cancer is highly curable the sooner it is detected. Lifelong follow-up examinations are very important for men who have had testicular cancer. Your doctor will advise you about the frequency of checkups.

Prevention

Currently, there is not a method for preventing testicular cancer. This is because the disease’s precise cause is not known; many of the risk factors, such as undescended testicle(s), cannot be prevented; and many men with testicular cancer do not have the known risk factors.