#knowthynuts

In Australia testicular cancer is the second most common cancer in men behind only skin cancer in young men ages 18-39. With 3 out of 4 Australian men either never or rarely performing a self examination it is hard to catch with the most common symptom being a painless swelling or lump in a testicle. Self exams are an important first step however are not guaranteed to detect cancer.

So what is testicular cancer? Testicular cancer occurs when abnormal cells within the testicles grow in an uncontrolled way, There are 5 main types and are named according to the cell type in which the cancer first develops. The most common symptom is mentioned above however other symptoms may include a change in how the testicle feels, an ache in the lower abdomen or groin, a sudden build up of fluid in the scrotum or pain and discomfort in the testicle or scrotum.

Steps to a self examination:

Jump in a warm shower to relax the scrotum

Examine each testicle with both hands, but gently roll the testicle between thumb and fingers to feel for any irregularities on the surface or structure of testicle.

Repeat with other testicle and take note of how they feel.