April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

Testicular Cancer is the most common cancer in men ages 15-35 according to the Mayo Clinic. It is a disease that develops in the testicles, a part of the male reproductive system, causing a lump to be present when touched. According to medical research, a percentage of men who have testicular cancer will experience no symptoms. It is often found during medical testing for other conditions, such as infertility.

Signs of a testicular tumor are:

• A painless lump in the testicle (the most common sign)
• Swelling of the testicle (with or without pain) or a feeling of weight in the scrotum
• Pain or a dull ache in the testicle, scrotum or groin
• Tenderness or changes in the male breast tissue

If you find any lump or firm part of the testicle, you should see a doctor immediately to find out if it is a tumor. Very few men who have testicular cancer felt pain at first. Click here to learn more.

As a man reaches puberty, it is important to conduct a monthly testicular self-exam. See the image below on how to do the self-exam (source: Testicular Cancer Wellness Foundation).

During your routine exam each year, it is important to ask your doctor to perform an exam as well.

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