Testicular Cancer: Know What to Feel For

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• Fear of Finding Something Wrong - Some men avoid checking themselves because they’re afraid they’ll discover a lump or abnormality.
• The fear of a cancer diagnosis can be stronger than the risk itself, leading to avoidance.
• Fear of Embarrassment - Men may feel awkward or embarrassed talking about their testicles or genitals, even with a doctor.
• This discomfort leads many to delay or avoid medical appointments.
• Fear of Being Examine - Anxiety about the physical examination of their private area.
• Some men fear being examined by a female doctor, or by someone much younger than them.
• ear of Surgery or Losing a Testicle - Many men worry that they’ll need surgery and lose a testicle (orchidectomy).
• This can bring fears about body image, identity, or masculinity.
• Fear of Infertility - There’s a common concern that testicular cancer or its treatment will result in infertility or loss of sexual function. While fertility can be affected, sperm banking is available before treatment, and most men go on to live healthy sex lives.
• Fear of the Unknown - Cancer is a loaded word. Uncertainty about the treatment journey, prognosis, or lifestyle changes can be overwhelming.
• Fear of Judgment or Stigma - Some men worry they’ll be judged for talking about cancer or seen as weak for being vulnerable. This is especially common in male-dominated environments where stoicism is valued.
• Fear It’s Not “Manly” to Seek Help - Cultural norms around masculinity often discourage men from speaking up or showing concern about their health. This “suffer in silence” mindset can be deadly.
• Fear of Impact on Relationships - Concerns that a partner might react negatively to a diagnosis, surgery, or changes in physical appearance.
• Fear of Recurrence - Even after successful treatment, many survivors fear the cancer will return, leading to ongoing anxiety.

1.  NHS Choices 

• 🌐 www.nhs.uk

2. Orchid – Fighting Male Cancer 

• 🌐 orchid-cancer.org.uk

3. Macmillan Cancer Support 

• 🌐 macmillan.org.uk

4. Cancer Research UK 

• 🌐 cancerresearchuk.org

1. Who is most at risk for testicular cancer?

Answer:

• Most common in males aged 15–45

• Higher risk if you have:

• An undescended testicle (cryptorchidism)

• A family history of testicular cancer

• HIV infection

• Personal history of testicular cancer

2. What are the signs and symptoms?

Answer:

• A painless lump or swelling in either testicle

• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum

• A dull ache in the groin or lower abdomen

• Sudden fluid buildup in the scrotum

• Enlargement or tenderness of breast tissue (rare)

3. Is testicular cancer painful?

Answer:

Often, it’s not painful in the early stages. That’s why it’s important to check regularly even if you don’t feel discomfort.

4. How do I check myself for testicular cancer?

Answer:

• Perform a monthly self-exam, ideally after a warm shower.

• Roll each testicle gently between your fingers.

• Look for lumps, swelling, or changes in size or texture.

• If something feels off, don’t panic — just speak to your GP

5. How is testicular cancer diagnosed?

Answer:

Diagnosis may involve:

• Physical examination

• Ultrasoundof the testicles

• Blood tests for tumour markers (AFP, hCG, LDH)

• In some cases, removal of the affected testicle for biopsy

6. Is testicular cancer curable?

Answer:

Yes. It has a very high cure rate — over 95% when detected early, and even advanced cases often respond well to treatment.

7. What are the treatment options?

Answer:

• Surgeryto remove the affected testicle (orchidectomy)

• Radiation therapy (for some types)

• Chemotherapy(for more advanced stages)

• Ongoing surveillanceand regular scans

8. Can I still have children after treatment?

Answer:

Many men can still father children after treatment. However, fertility may be affected, especially by chemotherapy. Sperm banking before treatment is often recommended.