How to self check for testicular cancer

Today’s blog comes from Hims, a company that focuses on men’s wellness. Everything from hair loss to skin care, they spend time on the things that most men do not want to talk about.

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, but the issue should really be addressed all year. This disease is the most common cancer among men ages 15-44 and has been responsible for more than 9,000 deaths in the last year according to the American Cancer Society. Testicular cancer is almost 100 percent curable if diagnosed early enough. The sooner you are able to identify the symptoms, the better chance you will be able to treat it successfully. There are steps you can do for self check-ups, which should be done at minimum once a month. It is very easy and doesn’t take much time. Just follow these steps:

1.  Check one testicle at a time. The best time to do this is after a shower, in front of a mirror. Make sure your scrotum is relaxed.
2. Place your thumb on one side of the testicle and your middle and index finger on the other side. Gently roll your fingers around. Repeat for the other testicle.
3. Check for any changes in size or consistency. If there are hard lumps or rounded bumps, there may be a problem.
4. If you experience any irregularities, contact your doctor immediately.

It is important to pay attention to your health and check yourself regularly in order to detect potential cancers in an early stage, when successful treatment is more likely. Self-examinations can be life savers; if you know something is wrong, you can take action before cancer progresses. In the visual below, Hims put together some information about what to expect if diagnosed with testicular cancer.

By knowing what to look for, you have the knowledge to make a difference in your life. It is important to make self check-ups part of your monthly routine, not just during Testicular Cancer Awareness Month.  You can learn more about testicular cancer prevention and early detection at preventcancer.org.