Testicular cancer is one of the least common cancers, yet 2,300 men are diagnosed with the disease every year in the UK, according to the NHS.
While it is relatively rare, accounting for only one per cent of all cancers in men, it is still a worrying diagnosis. Thankfully it is quite treatable - but like all cancers, the earlier detection, the better chances of recovery.
To help educate and spread awareness, Men's health experts at From Mars have detailed the five warning signs of testicular cancer and the importance of checking your testicles regularly.
Navin Khosla, superintendent pharmacist at From Mars, explained: "Although testicular cancer is rare compared to other types of cancer and affects around one in 250 people it is still one of the most common forms of cancer between men aged 15 to 35, which highlights the importance of understanding the warning signs and knowing how to check your testicles correctly.
"Several of the most common warning signs of testicular cancer can be easily noticed, such as pain or a lump, but this isn't the case for all and some of the symptoms aren't as easy to discover, which is why it's important to check your testicles at least once a month."
Here are the five warning signs of testicular cancer to look out for, as reported by Wales Online.
What is testicular cancer?
In short, testicular cancer arises when abnormal cells grow at a fast rate and form together to create a tumour within the testicles.
There are two types of testicular cancer – one is seminoma and the other is non-seminoma. Both are similar but seminoma usually affects men in their 40s and 50s while non-seminoma is usually diagnosed in men in their early 20s and 30s and is faster-growing.
Five warning signs of testicular cancer
- A lump, swelling or enlargements in your testicle(s) that doesn't cause pain
- A feeling of increased firmness in your testicle(s)
- A feeling of heaviness in your scrotum
- A dull ache or a sharp pain in your testicle(s) or scrotum, which can come and go
- A difference in appearance between your two testicles
How to perform a testicular cancer check yourself
- Step 1: First it's best to have a warm shower to relax your scrotum which will make the process easier but this isn’t essential.
- Step 2: Gently hold one of your testicles and carefully roll it between your thumb and fingers. At this point you're looking for any lumps, pain, changes in texture etc.
- Step 3: Repeat the same process on the other testicle.
Navin highlighted the importance of seeking medical advice if you are worried about testicular cancer. They concluded: "If you have noticed any of the warning signs then it's important to contact your doctor as they can carry out further examinations and tests.
"It's more than likely you won't have testicular cancer but seeking professional advice means that any growth can be dealt with sooner rather than later and your treatment plan can start swiftly."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
