Testicular Cancer Awareness
Testicular Cancer: WARNING … Are you a man between 12-50 or Are you a son, brother, father, mother, spouse, or friend of someone who is? Know this: There will be nearly 1200 new cases of Testicular Cancer, and some young men will die from the disease because they didn’t catch it in time. That is more deaths than women in this age group who will die of breast cancer.
Testicular Cancer is the most common cancer in men ages 15-40, a time when we don’t want to admit the possibility of illness. However, if detected early, it is among the easiest to cure.
Know the Risk Factors For Testicular Cancer :
- Age: Most testicular cancers occur between the ages of 15 and 40.
- Cryptorchidism: The main risk factor for testicular cancer is a condition called cryptorchidism or undescended testicle(s).
- Family History: A family history of testicular cancer increases the risk.
- HIV Infection: There is some evidence that men infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), particularly those with AIDS, are at increased risk.
- Carcinoma in situ: This condition does not produce a mass or cause any symptoms. Carcinoma in situ (CIS) in the testicles almost always progresses to cancer. In some cases, CIS is detected in men who undergo a testicular biopsy during medical evaluation of infertility.
- Cancer of the Other Testicle: A history of testicle cancer is another risk factor. Men who have been cured of cancer in one testicle have an increased risk of developing cancer in the other testicle.
- Race and Ethnicity: The risk of testicular cancer among white American men is about five times that of African-American men and more than double that of Asian-American men. The reason for this difference is not known. Testicular cancer risk has more than doubled among white Americans in the past 40 years but has remained the same for African-American men. Worldwide, the risk of developing this disease is highest among men living in the US, the UK, and Scandinavia, and lowest among African and Asian men.
Beverly’s Tips for Building Resiliency and Celebrating Testicular Cancer Awareness Week:
- You are never too young or too old to do a self-exam.
Teach young boys just like we do teen girls to do a self-exam. It should not be embarrassing, and it does save lives.
- Learn How to Do a Self-Exam:
The most convenient time to examine yourself is while taking a shower or bath. The warm water causes the skin to relax, making the examination of the underlying tissue easier.
- Slowly roll each testicle between the thumb and fingers. Try to find any hard, non-sensitive lumps.
- Second, examine the Epididymis for lumps. This crescent-shaped cord is behind each testicle.
- Third, examine the VAS (the sperm-carrying tube that extends from the epididymis) of each testicle.
- Know that in the early stages, testicular cancer may be symptomless. When symptoms do occur, they include: Lump on the testicle, epididymis, or vas. Enlargement of a testicle. Heavy sensation in the groin area or testicles. Dull ache in the groin or abdomen area. If you find a lump or have any of the above symptoms, see your doctor immediately for an accurate diagnosis.
- Talk About It:
Private parts are private, but knowing how to detect an illness early is just as essential as the ‘birds and the bees.’
- Get Support:
If you have concerns or notice changes, talk to your doctor. If you are diagnosed with cancer, don’t try to go it alone. Reach out to your family, friends, and co-workers. Who knows, you may save someone else’s life by doing so.
Remember, taking charge of your health and being proactive in self-exams can make all the difference when it comes to testicular cancer. Don’t let embarrassment or fear hold you back from potentially life-saving actions. Testicular Cancer Awareness Week serves as a reminder that your health matters and early detection is a powerful weapon in the fight against this disease.
Contact Beverly about hosting a mental health workshop for your teams on how to build resilience. Learn relaxation strategies, and discover coping tips to deal with stress, change and crisis!
If you have some strategies to share – comment on this posting!
Additional Resources:
International Men’s Health Week
Workplace Wellness: Cancer Care and Return-To-Work