According to the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation, testicular cancer is the leading cancer in men aged 15-44, but it can strike at any age. Over 95% of testicular cancer cases are curable when detected early.
Possible symptoms of testicular cancer:
- A lump on your testicle (the lump is often painless, but it can be uncomfortable)
- Swelling of a testicle or a change in how it feels
- A feeling of heaviness or aching in the scrotum or lower belly (abdomen)
- Swelling in your breasts (this is rare, but can be caused by hormone changes linked to cancer)
- Some rare signs of advanced testicular cancer include unexplained lower back pain, chest pain, or difficulty breathing
Many of these symptoms can be caused by other health problems. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your primary care provider right away.
Risk factors:
- Being in your 20s or 30s, though it can happen at any age
- Being white
- History of cancer in the other testicle
- Undescended testicle
- A family history of testicular cancer, which can put you at a higher risk
- HIV infection
- Using marijuana often or over a long time
Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk factors for testicular cancer and what you can do about them.
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Content derived from Staywell Health Library: Testicular Cancer: Overview and Testicular Cancer: Symptoms; and the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation.
