April is National Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

Approximately one of every 250 males will develop testicular cancer at some point during their lifetime. The average age at the time of diagnosis of testicular cancer is about 33 and this disease is more common in young and middle-aged men.

Scientists have found few risk factors that make someone more likely to develop testicular cancer. Most boys and men with testicular cancer do not have any of the known risk factors, however, some risk factors for testicular cancer may include:

• An undescended testicle
• Family history of testicular cancer
• HIV infection
• Carcinoma in situ of the testicle
• Having had testicular cancer before
• Being of a certain race/ethnicity
• Body size

Many men with testicular cancer have no known risk factors and, unfortunately, some of the known risk factors, such as undescended testicles, white race and a family history of the disease, cannot be changed.

Thankfully, most testicular cancers can be found at an early stage, when the cancers are small and haven't spread. In most instances, a lump on the testicle is the first symptom, or the testicle might be swollen or larger than normal. But some testicular cancers might not cause symptoms until they've reached an advanced stage, which is why most doctors agree that examining a man’s testicles should be part of a general physical exam.

Men who have certain risk factors that increase the chance of developing testicular cancer should seriously consider monthly self-exams and consult a doctor if there is any concern.

Infirmary Cancer Care stands with our patients through our continuum of care: prevention, early detection, diagnosis, staging, treatment and remission – every step of the way. Call 251-435-CARE (2273) for more information and visit InfirmaryCancerCare.org for more information about prevention, screening and treatment.