Cancer is usually associated with aging. But there is a notable exception: Testicular Cancer. This disease most frequently strikes young men between the ages of 15 and 35. The good news? It is also one of the most highly treatable and curable cancers—if caught early.
The Importance of the Self-Exam
Because there is no routine screening blood test (like the PSA for prostate cancer) for the general population, early detection relies entirely on men knowing their own bodies. Every young man should perform a brief testicular self-exam once a month, ideally after a warm shower when the skin is relaxed.
You are looking for:
- A hard, painless lump or nodule on either testicle
- An enlargement or change in the way a testicle feels
- A feeling of heaviness or a dull ache in the scrotum or lower abdomen
Diagnosis and Tumor Markers
If a doctor suspects an issue, the first step is usually an ultrasound of the scrotum. If a mass is found, blood tests for specific Tumor Markers (like AFP, Beta-hCG, and LDH) are performed. While not used for initial screening of healthy men, these blood markers are crucial for confirming the diagnosis, determining the type of cancer, and monitoring the success of the treatment.
Don't let embarrassment delay treatment. If you notice a change, consult a urologist immediately.
