It won’t come as a surprise to most people that men don’t frequently discuss their health concerns in social settings with their friends — and for some, the topic may be an uncomfortable one to broach even in their more intimate relationships. But opening up the discussion is paramount to understanding the very real risk for men of developing testicular cancer. Contrary to what is often believed about cancer in general, the chance of developing testicular cancer is one that has the potential to affect any man, regardless of his relative level of overall health. Because, regardless of how often the topic is discussed, the danger remains and it can prove deadly.
The good news is that a number of public figures have been brave enough to discuss their testicular cancer journey in recent years — from Grammy Award-winning recording artists to Major League Baseball players — and that always helps to normalize the conversation. When famous people share their personal experiences with the disease, it has an inspiring way of illuminating a secret, hidden, unspoken subject and shining a bright spotlight on it — helping chase away embarrassment and inviting it into everyday conversation.
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And there’s even more good news about testicular cancer. Men and those who care about them can be proactive in its detection. In American Macho Man culture, it’s frequently joked that men will go to extraordinary lengths to avoid a doctor visit, even though they may have some unusual symptoms or are experiencing inexplicable pain. Many think that whatever is going on will resolve or subside on its own. For some minor health concerns, that might be true. However, being able to spot the telltale symptoms of testicular cancer as early as possible and then making a visit to a health care provider for evaluation can save a man’s life.
The difficult part of properly identifying testicular cancer symptoms is that they’re often subtle, especially in the earlier stages. That’s problematic because most of us, females included, are alerted that something is wrong with our bodies when we experience the sensation of pain. “Nothing hurts, so everything must be fine.” But this is the No. 1 misconception of testicular cancer, because the most common symptoms of the disease present without pain. So how do we know what to look for if pain isn’t telling us something’s up?
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Well, for starters, via a regular testicular self-exam. This is the single best way to identify painless symptoms like a change in the size of one testicle, a painless bump or lump inside one testicle or fluid gathering/swelling around the scrotum. The frequency/repetition of self-examination is also important. There are two important clues to check for during an exam. One is a hard lump (small or large) in the testicle. The other is an overall change in the general feel of the testicle. While it may be difficult for someone who isn’t a doctor to really know whether or not they feel a lump, it’s a lot easier for him to determine if the testicle feels different than it did before. Repeated self-exams will provide a man with a topographic memory of the texture and shape of the testicle. If, upon examination, the testicle feels different than it did previously, that’s a signal to seek medical attention. But if a person has not done self-exams, or hasn’t done them regularly enough, and there isn’t a developed sense of familiarity with what is supposed to be a normal-feeling testicle, then the chance to notice a change can be missed. Regular self-examination is crucial for it to be beneficial.
Now, it’s important to note that a small number of men will initially have symptoms of testicular cancer that don’t seem to be related to the testicles themselves. These symptoms include abdominal pain, back pain and coughing. And though they may seem like nothing more than a common illness, they could be indications that the cancer has advanced beyond the testicles. Sometimes, men who have developed testicular cancer may also experience an increase in breast size and/or tenderness in their breasts or nipples. When faced with any of these symptoms, testicular self-examination is important to double check for lumps, and it’s time to see a doctor. If you’re a mother with young sons, testicular cancer in the young male population can often reveal itself through signs of early puberty in boys. Keep a watchful eye on any unusual or seemingly “too early” changes in your son’s hair growth or voice.
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As with any type of cancer, early signs can be overlooked or explained away. When it comes to testicular cancer specifically, it helps to break down the walls of the conversation. Arm yourself with knowledge and then fill the important men in your life in on what to watch out for, and encourage them to perform monthly self-exams. Even if it’s hard to talk about it, you’ll be glad you did.
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Testicular Cancer: Why Self-Examination Is Crucial originally appeared on usnews.com
