One for the Guys

It's not the most common form of cancer, nor is it the most deadly. In fact, it's pretty rare... but testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in American men between the ages of 15 and 34. The good news is that it is highly treatable, even if it has spread beyond the testicles upon diagnosis.

In 2012, it is estimated that 8,590 men will be diagnosed, and 360 men will die from testicular cancer. In order to skew the odds in your favor, get familiar with these symptoms and learn how to spot reasons for concern:

• A lump or enlargement in either testicle
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• A dull ache in the abdomen or groin
• A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
• Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts

Testicular cancer usually affects only testicle. Be sure to see your doctor if you notice any unusual pain, swelling or lumps in your groin, especially these symptoms last longer than two weeks. The American Cancer Society provides some instruction on how to perform a self-check.

Risk factors include:

• An undescended testicle (cryptorchidism). The testes form in the abdominal area during fetal development and usually descend into the scrotum before birth. Men who have a testicle that never descended are at greater risk of testicular cancer in either testicle than are men whose testicles descended normally. The risk remains even if the testicle has been surgically relocated to the scrotum. Still, the majority of men who develop testicular cancer don't have a history of undescended testicles.
• Abnormal testicle development. Conditions that cause testicles to develop abnormally, such as Klinefelter's syndrome, may increase your risk of testicular cancer.
• Family history. If family members have had testicular cancer, you may have an increased risk.
• Age. Testicular cancer affects teens and younger men, particularly those between ages 15 and 34. However, it can occur at any age.
• Race. Testicular cancer is more common in white men than in black men.

Gentlemen, pay attention!

April is not off the hook. Even with all of its promise of warmer days and spring awakening and new life it is also a month that we recognize a type of cancer and work to raise awareness. In fact, there are three kinds on the board this month, but this week we'll share some information about testicular cancer.

Compared with other types of cancer, testicular cancer is rare - which is a great thing! According to the National Cancer Institute, 8,480 new cases were estimated to be diagnosed last year. That said, testicular cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in American males between the ages of 15 and 34. The good news is that is highly treatable! Of those diagnosed last year, there were 350 deaths. That is good news - but in our opinion even a small mortality rate warrants the need for being informed and knowing when to see a doctor.

The most common symptoms as listed by the Mayo Clinic are as follows:

• A lump or enlargement in either testicle
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• A dull ache in the abdomen or groin
• A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
• Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
• Unexplained fatigue or a general feeling of not being well

Cancer usually affects only one testicle, which should make it easier to detect an abnormality. See your doctor if you detect any pain, swelling or lumps in your testicles or groin area, especially if these signs and symptoms last longer than two weeks. Make an appointment with your doctor even if a lump in your testicle isn't painful, as only a small percentage of testicular cancers are painful from the outset.