Testicular Takeover

Women are warned of the dangers of breast cancer, but men are largely left out of the discussion. And while prostate exams are somewhat common, there is a more common cancer found in young men (striking most often between the ages of 15 and 35) that has a simple self-examination, just like breast cancer, and can otherwise go undetected, just like breast cancer: testicular cancer.
As with all cancers, early detection is essential for effective treatment, and many cases are not found until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body simply because men are not taught to examine their own testicles for lumps the way women are told to feel their breasts. And if you are not comfortable with feeling your own testicles using the self-exam, have your significant other do it for you. If your significant other is male, you can examine each other. It may prove to be a very good bonding experience, and it will certainly help keep the two of you in touch with your body.
So, men, it’s time to take charge of your testicles. The self-exam is easily enough performed. Simply place your index and middle fingers underneath your testicle, leaving your thumb on top. Slowly and gently roll the testicle around in your fingers, feeling for any hard lumps on the testicle itself. Note that the epididymus, which is located behind the testicle and carries sperm, is not a lump that needs to concern you. You should not feel any pain while you are examining your testicles, and it is perfectly normal for one testicle to be slightly larger or hang lower than the other. The skin on the testicles should be smooth and feel firm. Get used to the way your testicles feel when you’re healthy so that you are able to notice any abnormalities. Like with a breast self-exam for women, the testicles should be examined once a month, and since it only takes a few minutes, it’s a very easy thing to work into your schedule.
Why is this test so important? Because only four percent of all cases are discovered by physicians, and they were usually performing exams for different reasons entirely. Testicular cancer has, so far, been found mainly by accident, which can lead to the spread of the cancerous cells to other parts of the body. Very few men check their own testicles, which likely contributes to the high rate of death from this cancer; 400 American men die every year, with a malignancy rate in testicular tumors of 96 percent. With 7,000 to 8,000 cases diagnosed every year, it’s definitely something to keep an eye out for.
The most common symptoms include hard, painless lumps on the testicles, an enlargement of the testicle, a heavy feeling in the scrotum, sudden accumulation of fluid in the scrotum, dull ache in the groin or lower abdomen, pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum or blood in the urine. Men with the cancer will usually not feel sick, so the self-exam is especially important because you may not have any other way of noticing signs, although in a few cases there may not be any signs whatsoever, and then you just have to be aware of the rest of your body, and be sure to get complete physicals at regular intervals.
The self-exam can most readily be performed after a bath or shower, when the skin on the scrotum has been relaxed. Soapy, lotioned or lubricated skin will also be easier to examine, as your fingers will be able to slide more easily over this tender area.
If you find a lump, the first thing to do is to call a doctor immediately (get Student Health to refer you to a urologist). Testicular cancer has a high survival rate of 94%, so your chances are good, but don’t hold back. Testicular tumors are some of the fastest-growing tumors in the world of cancer, and many men are afraid of seeking help due to issues of privacy and embarrassment. Don’t let yourself be one of these. Take charge. These are your balls, to do with in the world. Take care of them, and they will take care of you. Now go out, and stage a testicular takeover!

—Emily Roberts
College junior