Testicular Cancer Prevention  

The fact that no cause of testicular cancer is clearly known, it is difficult to establish a sure preventive method. The best decision is to catch the cancer at an early stage. To do so, you need to practice monthly self-examination of your testicles from age 15, and throughout your life. The exam is easier when the skin of the scrotum is relaxed after a warm bath or shower.  

The monthly self-examination of your testicles is not difficult; here is a very easy method that can guide you:  

1. Stand before a mirror; search for any swelling of the skin of your scrotum.  

2. Hold your scrotum in your hands in a manner to feel the size and weight of each testicle. It is likely that one of your testicles is larger or descends lower than the other one; this is normal. 

3. Feel each testicle and roll it between your thumb and finger; it should be smooth. You should feel a soft and sensitive cord in the back of each testicle. You should feel no pain. 

4. If you notice any of these changes below, contact your doctor as soon as possible:  

• a hard mass - as a pea; 
• any change in the size, shape,  
• sensitivity to touch or painful feeling in the testicles or scrotum;  
• swollen testicles or scrotum;  
• pain in the testicles or scrotum; 

In addition, it is important to talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms for several days: 

• unreasonable weight loss  
• dull ache or heaviness in the lower abdomen 
• abnormal and persistent lower back pain  
• An increase in breast size.  

      Testicular Cancer Survival Rates