Every April is focused on creating a community consciousness about the effects of testicular cancer and increasing support for it. Testicular cancer is found in males and occurs in the testicle. It is a rare and treatable cancer. The general five year survival rate for this type of cancer is 95%.

Can testicular cancer be detected early?

Most testicular cancers can be found when they are still localized and small which provides good odds for survival. The first sign of testicular cancer is often a lump on the testicle or if the testicle is swollen or larger than normal. To find testicular cancer early, it is often recommended that men after puberty check their testicles monthly to look for any abnormalities that might be indicative of a tumor. The American Cancer Society provides information and instructions on how to give this testicle self exam which can be found here.

Another way to ensure that testicular cancer is found early is to look out for other symptoms other than a lump on the testicle or swelling or enlargement of it.  These other symptoms includes:

• Breast growth or soreness

• Early puberty in boys

• Low back pain

• To learn more about other symptoms, go here.

How can you reduce your chances of getting testicular cancer?

Unlike colorectal cancer mentioned above and other types of cancers, there are no known ways to prevent testicular cancer from occurring. Therefore, the only way to mitigate the effects of testicular cancer is to utilize the early detection methods mentioned above. To learn more about why testicular cancer can not be prevented, go here.