Word On Testicular Cancer

Our grateful thanks to men's health charity, Orchid (www. orchid-cancer.org.uk) for their input to our radio report which you can  hear again hear again via the audio player at the bottom of this page  

What is testicular cancer?  Testicular cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the testicles (testes) grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. It is one of the most treatable cancers, especially when detected early.

Prevalence in the UK.  Testicular cancer is relatively rare, accounting for around 1% of male cancers.

 

• Approximately 2,400 new cases are diagnosed each year in the UK.
• It is the most common cancer in young men aged 15-49.

 

Signs and symptoms.  Men should be aware of:

 

• A painless lump or swelling in the testicle.
• Change in size or shape of a testicle.
• A heavy or aching feeling in the scrotum or lower abdomen.
• Sudden fluid build-up in the scrotum.
• Pain or discomfort in the testicle (less common).

 

Who is most at risk?  Certain factors increase the risk:

• Age: Most common between 15-49 years old.
• Family history: Having a father or brother with testicular cancer.
• Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism): Men born with one or both testicles undescended are at higher risk.
• Previous testicular cancer: If you've had it in one testicle, there's a higher risk of developing it in the other.
• Ethnicity: More common in white men than in men of other ethnic backgrounds.

Importance of early detection.   Cure rates exceed 95% when caught early.  If left untreated, it can spread to lymph nodes and other organs, making treatment more difficult.

Self-examination: How and when?  Men should self-examine once a month, ideally after a warm bath or shower when the scrotal skin is relaxed.

How to Check:

• Use both hands to gently roll each testicle between your thumb and fingers.
• Check for lumps, swelling, or any changes in size, shape, or texture.
• Feel for the epididymis (a soft, coiled tube at the back) to avoid mistaking it for a lump.

If any unusual changes persist for more than two weeks, see a doctor.

Treatment Options.

Treatment depends on the stage and type of testicular cancer:

• Surgery (Orchiectomy): Removal of the affected testicle. This is the primary treatment.
• Radiotherapy: Used for seminoma-type cancers, especially in early stages.
• Chemotherapy: Used for more advanced cases or non-seminoma cancers.
• Surveillance: In some early-stage cases, close monitoring may be recommended instead of immediate treatment.

Most men recover fully with early treatment, and even if cancer spreads, modern therapies are highly effective.

Listen to this weeks radio report