November sees an increased push for awareness on prostate and testicular cancer, with health organisations launching a number of campaigns to help men spot the early signs of the disease.
Testicular cancer affects more than 170 men in Ireland each year. It is more common in Caucasians.
While one in every seven men will be affected by prostate cancer at some point in their lifetime.
Those facts have led to more campaigns to raise awareness of the diseases - and more importantly, how to spot them early.
There are a number of methods to catch the illnesses before they cause serious damage.
In terms of testicular cancer, men can check for it on a daily basis.
How to do a self-check for testicular cancer.
- Cup one testicle at a time using both hands. This is best performed during a warm bath or shower in order to prevent discomfort.
- Examine by rolling the testicle between thumb and fingers. Use light pressure.
- Familiarise yourself with the spermatic cord and epididymis. These are tube like structures that connect on the back of each testicle
- Feel for lumps, change in size or irregularities. Remember, it is normal for one teste to be bigger than the other
If in doubt, always get a second opinion.
Testicular cancer symptoms
If the cancer is only in the testicle:
- A painless lump or swelling in a testicle
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum, groin or abdomen (tummy)
- An enlarged testicle or change in the way your testicle feels
- A heavy feeling in your scrotum
If the cancer has spread outside the testicle:
- A dull ache in your back
- Pain in your tummy (abdomen)
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen lymph glands in the abdomen, groin or chest
About 1 in 10 testicular cancers has spread outside the testicle when it is diagnosed.
