Testicular cancer is an important men’s health issue, and one of the most treatable forms of cancer

We know the word “cancer” can feel overwhelming. But here’s the reality: testicular cancer has one of the highest cure rates of all cancers, especially when caught early.

Quick Read:

Testicular cancer mostly affects men aged 15 to 35.
In the early stages of testicular cancer, doctors may remove either one or both of the testicles to treat the condition.
A painless lump is the most common early sign, but monthly self-checks can help catch changes early.

What is testicular cancer?

The testicles produce sperm and male hormones. Males normally have two testicles, which are behind the penis within a sac of skin, called the scrotum. Testicular cancer happens when abnormal cells grow in one of the testicles. It usually affects only one testicle, and most men recover fully with early treatment.

Need an example? Look no further than Sebastien Haller, a soccer player for the Ivory Coast, who returned to professional playing just six months after completing treatment. In fact, he scored the winning goal for the team in the Afcon 2023 tournament. Talk about inspirational!

Symptoms of testicular cancer

The testicles are an easy target for injury because of their location. Such injuries are particularly prevalent during contact sports like soccer. In these instances, the pain should subside relatively quickly.

However, not all symptoms are painful. In fact, early testicular cancer is often painless. Sports injuries can cause temporary pain, but pain that doesn’t go away or unexplained changes should be checked. Ideally, you should do regular self-exams, preferably after a bath or shower.

Look for signs such as:

A lump or swelling in one of the testicles.
A feeling of heaviness or aching in the lower abdomen or scrotum.
A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum.
Enlargement or tenderness in the breast/chest area (which can be due to hormonal changes).
Not all lumps or discomforts mean cancer, but it’s always better to be careful and get checked out by a doctor.

Risk factors (what increases your chances?)

Most cases of testicular cancer happen without a clear cause, but the risk is higher if you:

Had an undescended testicle (cryptorchidism).
Have a family history of testicular cancer.
Previously had cancer in the other testicle.
Are between ages 15–35.

How to do testicular cancer self-exams

Self-exams are a great way to be proactive and monitor your health. Just as women should be doing regular self-exams for breast abnormalities, men can do testicular cancer checks. The best time to do a check is after a bath or shower, when the scrotum is relaxed. Here’s how to perform a self-exam:

Stand in front of a mirror and check for any swelling on the scrotal skin.
Gently roll each testicle between your fingers and thumb.
Feel for any lumps, bumps, or changes in size or consistency.
If you feel anything unusual, it’s important to visit your doctor for a professional evaluation. As you’ve read above, the earlier testicular cancer is caught, the easier it is to treat successfully.

What happens if you’re diagnosed with testicular cancer?

Treatment usually starts with surgery to remove the affected testicle (called an orchiectomy). The procedure has a high success rate and doesn’t affect your ability to have children or lead a healthy life, as the other testicle can still function normally. A doctor may suggest other treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy, depending on the stage of the cancer, but the majority of patients fully recover.

Fertility, testosterone, and long-term health

The good news is that one healthy testicle is usually enough to maintain normal testosterone levels, fertility, and sexual function, including the ability to get erections and have children. In most cases, the remaining testicle compensates fully. However, if treatment involves chemotherapy or radiation, there can be a temporary or sometimes permanent impact on sperm production, which is why some men are advised to consider sperm banking beforehand. Hormone therapy is available if testosterone levels drop, helping to manage energy, mood, and libido.

In terms of outcomes, testicular cancer survival rates are over 95%, and when detected early, as high as 98–99%. Even in more advanced cases, treatment is often highly effective.

Remember, regular self-exams and being aware of changes in your body are important steps in catching testicular cancer early. If you ever have concerns, please don’t hesitate to speak to a doctor or specialist. The earlier you take action, the better. Let’s remove the fear factor from cancer and focus on being proactive with our health!

Do your best to stay as healthy as possible by including plenty of nutritious foods in your diet, cutting back on alcohol, quitting smoking, and exercising regularly. It’s your health. For life.

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