TESTICULAR SELF-EXAMINATION

Cancer of the testicle is among the least common forms of cancer; however, it represents the most common solid tumor in men between the ages of 20 and 34 years. Testicular cancer has a tendency to run in families and is more common in men whose testicles were undescended during childhood. According to a report by Medical World page 10, 0ct. 15, 2015, the incidence of this cancer has been increasing in recent years. However, no single explanation can be given for this increase.

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Factors such as a difficult pregnancy, elevated temperature in the groin, mumps, or some yet identified environmental factors may be involved. Studies states that white-collar workers appear to be at greater risk than people in other work sites. No association has been seen between vasectomies or electromagnetic fields (EMFs) generated by electric blankets (cancer statistics review: 2000, National cancer institute.)

SYMPTOMS OF CANCER OF THE TESTICLE:

Symptoms of cancer of the testicles include;
• Small painless lump on the side of the testicle

• A swollen or enlarged testicle

• Heaviness or a dragging sensation in the groins or scrotum.

RISK FACTORS:
Risk factors include:
• Conformed injury
• mumps
• and hormonal treatments given to mothers before the child's birth.

The importance of testicular self-examination, as well as early diagnosis and prompt treatment, cannot be overemphasized for men in the risk factor age group of 20 to 34 years.

The Health Action Guide explains two simple steps on how to perform a testicular self- examination and shown below.

1:- Roll each testicle gently between the thumb and fingers of both hands.

2:- If you find any hard lumps or nodules, you should see your doctor promptly. They may not be malignant, but only your doctor can make the diagnosis.

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After a thorough examination, your doctor may perform certain x-ray studies to make the most accurate diagnosis possible.

Testicular self - examinations are as important for men as breast self-examinations are for women.

Your best hope for early detection of testicular cancer is a simple 3 minutes monthly self-examination as shown above. The best time is after a warm bath or shower, when the scrotal skin is most relaxed.

I hope you found this article helpful.

Reference and further reading:
• American Cancer Society: Cancer facts and figures: Atlanta.
• Marx J: New tumor suppression may rival page 53 (Research News)

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