The fact that no cause of testicular cancer is clearly known, it is difficult to establish a sure preventive method. The best decision is to catch the cancer at an early stage. To do so, you need to practice monthly self-examination of your testicles from age 15, and throughout your life. The exam is easier when the skin of the scrotum is relaxed after a warm bath or shower.
The monthly self-examination of your testicles is not difficult; here is a very easy method that can guide you:
- Stand before a mirror; search for any swelling of the skin of your scrotum.
- Hold your scrotum in your hands in a manner to feel the size and weight of each testicle. It is likely that one of your testicles is larger or descends lower than the other one; this is normal.
- Feel each testicle and roll it between your thumb and finger; it should be smooth. You should feel a soft and sensitive cord in the back of each testicle. You should feel no pain.
- If you notice any of these changes below, contact your doctor as soon as possible:
- a hard mass – as a pea;
- any change in the size, shape,
- sensitivity to touch or painful feeling in the testicles or scrotum;
- swollen testicles or scrotum;
- pain in the testicles or scrotum;
In addition, it is important to talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms for several days:
- unreasonable weight loss
- dull ache or heaviness in the lower abdomen
- abnormal and persistent lower back pain
- An increase in breast size.