Compared with other types of cancer, testicular cancer is generally uncommon. According to the National Cancer Institute, testicular cancer accounts for less than 1% of all male cancers in the United States and generally impacts men aged 20 to 34. Cure rates approach 95%, especially when detected early. Therefore, young men should become familiar with the symptoms related to this disease and understand how easily they can play a role in its detection. Understand the basics Testicular cancer begins when healthy cells in a testicle change and grow out of control, forming a tumor. Men whose testicles did not descend into the scrotum at birth, a condition known as cryptorchidism, are at an increased risk for testicular cancer. Bringing the testicle down into the scrotum with surgery doesn’t decrease the risk of developing testicular cancer but it does make it easier to examine the testicle and find any abnormalities early. Other established risk factors include a family history or personal history of testicular cancer. Make self checks part of your routine Regular self-exams are easy and can help men to recognize if something might be wrong. To self-exam, an individual should hold each testicle separately between the thumbs and forefingers of both hands and roll it gently, feeling for hard lumps or rounded masses, as well as changes in shape or size. In some cases of advanced testicular cancer, or cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, men can experience back pain, abdominal pain, cough, or unintentional weight loss. Any man who feels a testicular mass or has these symptoms should seek medical attention. Source
