When doctors first examined the former footballer John Hartson recently he was already in the advanced stages of testicular cancer, which had spread to his brain and lungs. The ex-Arsenal and Celtic footballer admitted that he ignored the signs of testicular cancer two years previously when he had first discovered a lump. The cycling legend Lance Armstrong also admitted that he delayed going to a doctor for months before he was given a similar diagnosis in 1996.
At age 25, Armstrong was one of the world's best cyclists. He had proved this by winning the World Championships, the Tour Du Pont and multiple Tour de France stages. Like most young, healthy men, Armstrong ignored the warning signs, and he never imagined the seriousness of his condition. His own cancer had spread to his abdomen, lungs and brain. Armstrong took an active role in educating himself about his condition; he underwent aggressive treatment and eventually beat the disease often referring to himself as a cancer survivor and not a cancer victim.
Testicular cancer is a growth or tumour which appears in one of the testicles (which are commonly known as 'balls'). The testicles are the male reproductive organs contained within a bag of skin called the scrotum which hangs below the penis. The good news is however, that testicular cancer is rare with the majority of men who are diagnosed with it, cured. It is the most common cancer amongst men between the ages of 20 and 35, although it can develop in boys as young as 15.
Unfortunately, researchers don't know exactly what causes testicular cancer. Men who have undescended testicles are at higher risk of developing this cancer than other men whose testicles have moved down into the scrotum. This is true even if surgery has been done to place the testicle in the appropriate place in the scrotum. Do as much as you can to help yourself stay healthy and active. General fitness is associated with a decreased risk while a sedentary lifestyle is associated with increased risk. You may also be at risk if your father or brother suffered from testicular cancer. Unfortunately men who have had testicular cancer are at increased risk of developing the cancer in the other testicle.
Most Testicular Cancers are found by men themselves. This is why it is crucial for men to conduct regular self-examinations. The ideal time to examine your testicles is after a warm bath or shower in front of a mirror. The warmth relaxes the skin of the scrotum, making it easier to feel for anything unusual.
To do self-examination, follow these steps:
• Use both hands to examine each testicle. Place your index and middle fingers underneath the testicle and your thumbs on top. Roll the testicle between your thumbs and fingers. (It's normal for testicles to be different in size)
• As you feel the testicle, you may notice a cord-like structure above and behind the testicle. This structure is called the epididymis. It stores and transports sperm. Do not confuse it with a lump.
• Feel for any lumps. Lumps can be pea-size or larger and are often painless. Also check for any change in size, shape, or consistency of the testes.
Testicles should feel smooth, with no lumps, swellings or hardening present. You should see your doctor IMMEDIATELY if:
• You feel a small lump or swelling in either testicle.
• You notice any hardening of the testicle.
• You can feel a sensation of dragging or heaviness in your scrotum.
• You experience dull aches in the groin.
• A sudden gathering of fluid in the scrotum.
Your GP will examine you and feel for any lumps. If there are further concerns they will refer you on to a specialist – a urologist. The urologist may order tests to make a clearer diagnosis. Tests may include blood tests, an ultrasound scan of the scrotum and CT scan of the abdomen, pelvis and thorax (chest). Definitive diagnosis may be made by biopsy – a procedure where a sample of tissue is taken from the testis itself.
If a diagnosis of testicular cancer is made your urologist will discuss management options. More than 95 percent of cases can be cured. Treatment is more likely to be successful when testicular cancer is found EARLY. The three basic types of treatment are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. They may be used alone or in combination. After treatment the majority of sufferers can have children and a normal sex life. Sperm banking may be appropriate for some men prior to treatment in order to safeguard future fertility.
There is no way to prevent testicular cancer, but early detection is so important. This is why you should perform self-examination on a monthly basis and be sure to follow this MANtra: if ever in doubt get it checked it out...
