Men's Health

• Testicular cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among men aged 25-44 years
• However, the outlook is positive for those diagnosed with this disease. About 95% of men survive testicular cancer. Most men go on to live full and active lives
• Younger men are more commonly affected by testicular cancer with about a third of all new diagnoses made in men less than 30 years. Around a quarter of diagnoses are made in men 45 years or older.
• the outlook for men diagnosed with testicular cancer has improved dramatically since the 1970’s when chemotherapy was introduced to treat the disease

Cancer that develops in a testicle is called testicular cancer. The term “cancer” refers to a condition in which the regulation of cell growth is lost and cells grow uncontrollably. Most cells in the body are constantly dividing, maturing and then dying in a tightly controlled process. Unlike normal cells, the growth of cancer cells is no longer well regulated. Instead of dying, as they should, cancer cells outlive normal cells and continue to form new, abnormal cells. Often, only one testicle is affected and testicular cancer is more commonly found in the right testicle than the left testicle. If left untreated it may spread throughout the body

It mainly occurs in men aged 18 to 35, but can occur any time after the age of 15. Certain types of testicular cancer may occur in younger children or older men. The disease traditionally strikes wealthy white men the hardest, but in New Zealand Maori men and those from lower socio-economic  groups have higher rates
 

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF TESTICULAR CANCER?
Males who may be at risk of testicular cancer include those with:
Uncorrected, undescended testicles as an infant or young child
A family history of testicular cancer
An identical twin with testicular cancer
Have had certain viral infections such as mumps
 

Testicular cancer may cause a variety of signs and symptoms, but may also have no symptoms. Symptoms that men should watch for include:

• a small, painless lump in either testicle (the most common symptom)
• any enlargement of the testicle
• a feeling of heaviness in the testicle or groin
• a dull ache in the lower abdomen or in the groin
• pain in the testicle or scrotum
• a change in the way a testicle feels
• enlargement or tenderness of male breasts or nipples
• blood in the semen
• All men between 18 and 35 should become familiar with the shape and feel of their testicles and perform regular self-tests to detect abnormalities.

If you suffer from any of the symptoms listed you should see your doctor.