Irish men make jokes about their genitals more often than is healthy, but testicular cancer is no laughing matter. Here are some tips on spotting the signs and getting it treated.
No doubt you were busy watching the footie over the weekend, but it’s about time you paid attention to your own balls gents.
OK, so nobody likes going to a doctor to face being poked or prodded, especially when the crown jewels are involved, but you can do a DIY check when looking for signs of the most common cancer in Irish men aged 18 – 35.
It’s simple really; just get familiar with your body, have a little fondle of the boys, or James Westfall and Dr. Kenneth Noisewater as they are probably known by all Anchorman fans, and keep an eye out for any noticeable changes in your body and on your skin.
How to do a testicular self-exam:
- The best time to do the self-exam is during or after a bath or shower, when the skin of the scrotum is relaxed.
- Hold your penis out of the way and check one testicle at a time.
- Put the testicle between your thumbs and fingers of both hands and roll it gently between your fingers.
- Look and feel for any hard lumps or smooth rounded bumps or any change in the size, shape, or consistency of the testes (Some lumps and bumps are normal so keep an eye out for any new developments!).
If testicular cancer is found early, then it can be treated successfully and almost always cured.
So, if you have any of the following symptoms get yourself to a doctor right away! The doctor will examine you and might send you for other tests.
- If you notice a lump, hardness or change in one or both of your testicles then see a doctor. It’s probably harmless, but you need to check with a GP.
- The lump is usually not painful but it can cause a bit of discomfort.
- One testicle might become larger after puberty.
- You are at greater risk if one testicle (ball) is missing, or has not dropped into the scrotum (ball bag) yet. If you think you have this, then visit a doctor as it can usually be easily corrected.
For more information on the topic of testicular cancer, check out SpunOut.ie
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