Why do I need to regularly check my testicles?

You probably don't realise it, but cancer of the testicles affects more men each year. It is the most common cancer among men aged 15 to 24 years of age, but men of any age can get it.

No-one is sure what causes testicular cancer. Most men don't know about it, so they ignore the first warning signs, hoping everything will just come right.

But it won't, and it's dangerous to ignore warning signs. With early treatment, there's a good chance there will be no further problems.

Warning signs

With testicular cancer the early clues are found in one of your testicles. They're usually obvious and easy to find, so watch out for any one or more of these signs:

• a hard lump on the front or side of a testicle
• swelling or enlargement
• an increase in firmness
• pain or discomfort
• an unusual difference between one testicle and the other.

The other warning signs

• heavy or dragging feeling in the groin
• dull ache in the lower stomach or groin.

What's normal anyway?

If you're going to pick up signs of trouble you need to know what your testicles normally feel like. The best time to check is in the shower or bath. Hold your testicles in your hands so you can feel their size and weight. It's quite normal to have one larger than the other, or higher than the other, but they should be about the same weight.

Feel each testicle and roll it between your thumb and finger. It should feel smooth. You'll feel a soft, tender tube towards the back of each testicle. This is normal and is called the epididymis.

See also How to do a testicular self-examination.

Take action

If you notice anything unusual about your testicles, you should go and see a doctor as soon as possible. Act now, don't wait a week or two.

Chances are it won't be cancer, but it's better to be safe than sorry. It's foolish to delay because of embarrassment or fear. Your doctor will give you a thorough check-up.

If it's cancer and you delay going to the doctor, the cancer can spread to other parts of the body. Then you'll need more extensive treatment.

Testicular cancer is a serious disease, but when it's discovered, and treated early, there's usually a complete cure.

Related topics

How do you do a testicular self-exam? See Testicular self-examination

What is testicular cancer? See Testicular cancer

Original material provided by the Cancer Society of New Zealand. Edited by everybody, February 2005.