How a testicle cancer check can save your life

When it comes to health issues ‘down there’, there’s a tendency for men to ignore symptoms or concerns. But a condition as serious as testicular cancer can’t be detected or treated if men or their partners stay silent.

Testicular cancer is the second most common cancer in young men (aged 18 to 39). It’s estimated that in 2023 alone, 1,000 new cases were diagnosed in Australia, with the average age at diagnosis being 36 years old.

That’s why it’s important for all men to know about testicular cancer and how to protect their health.

The most common sign of testicular cancer is a lump or swelling in a testicle. So, knowing how to self-examine your testicles can lead to early detection of cancer.

Less common symptoms include:

• a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum

• a change in the size or shape of a testicle

• a feeling of unevenness

• back pain

• an ache or pain in the lower abdomen, testicle or scrotum

• an enlargement or tenderness of the breast tissue

If you feel or notice any of these symptoms while performing your self-examination, please see a doctor.

It’s important to get to know the regular look and feel of your testicles and to take notice of any changes.

Check yourself after a warm bath or shower, when the skin of your scrotum is relaxed. Examine each testicle thoroughly by rolling it gently between your fingers and thumb.

Look for any lumps or bumps that are not normally there or for any changes in the size or shape of your testicles. You shouldn't feel any pain or discomfort during this process.

A healthy testicle should feel firm and smooth. It's normal for one testicle to be slightly larger or hang lower than the other.

If you notice any changes, lumps or swelling in your testicle, see a doctor straight away.

Your doctor can perform a testicular cancer check. They will examine your testicles and scrotum, looking for any lumps or swelling. If required, you’ll be sent for an ultrasound and may need a blood test to look for any markers that could indicate cancer.

If these tests don’t rule out cancer, you will usually be referred to a urologist for further tests.

The incidence rate for testicular cancer peaks at the 30 to 34 years age group, but it can occur in teenage boys. That’s why younger men should be aware of the symptoms from their early teens onwards.

The most common types of testicular cancer are called germ cell tumors. There are two main types:

1. Seminoma tumors: These grow more slowly and usually occur between ages 25 and 45, but they can also happen in older people.

2. Non-seminoma tumors: These grow faster and are more common in people in their late teens and early 20s.

Unlike most other cancers, testicular cancer does not increase in incidence as you grow older.

If you feel or notice any symptoms while performing your self-examination, please see a doctor

Testicular cancer occurs when the cells in your testicles develop sudden abnormalities and grow out of control. However, the cause of the abnormal cell growth is unknown.

Risk factors

Some factors that may increase your risk of testicular cancer include:

• Family history of testicular cancer (having a father or brother who was diagnosed)

• Undescended testicles – testicles that did not move down into the scrotum after you were born.

• Experiencing fertility challenges

• Living with HIV or AIDS

• Being born with hypospadias, a condition where the urethra opens on the underside of the penis.

Myths

There are many myths about what causes testicular cancer. One common misconception is that injuries to the testicles can lead to cancer, but there’s no evidence to support this. Similarly, taking hot baths or wearing tight clothes are often believed to increase the risk of testicular cancer, but this isn't true either.

Bradley found out he had testicular cancer when he was 24.

Initially, Bradley noticed he was feeling lethargic and had developed a lot of pimples on his back.

“At first, I thought it was some kind of hormonal change,” says Bradley.

When he noticed his left testicle had started increasing in size and felt 'heavy and uncomfortable' he told his dad.

“He took me straight to the doctor, who did a physical examination and sent me for an ultrasound.”

The ultrasound revealed that he had testicular cancer.

“I was shocked and emotional but tried to keep calm,” says Bradley.

Bradley’s GP referred him to a urologist, who advised him that the testicle needed to be removed. Within 12 hours of seeing the urologist, the operation was performed. The testicle was sent to the lab for testing and it was confirmed that Bradley had stage 1 seminoma testicular cancer.

He had two rounds of chemotherapy as a precaution to arrest any cancer spread.

“It’s been five years now and there’s been no recurrence.”

Bradley has been doing self-tests at home on his other testicle, regularly checking for any irregularities.

We can help. Our Find a Provider service allows you to search for health professionals like GPs in your local area.

If you’re heading to your GP for a check-up, it could be a good opportunity to find out what other examinations you might be due for.

• If you’re aged between 20-29, find out more with our article Health checks in your 20s.

• If you’re aged between 30-39, we’ve put together a list of Health checks in your 30s.

• Aged 40-49? There’s a dedicated article on The Check Up, Health checks in your 40s.

• And, for the young-at-hearters (or those of us between 50-59), check out Health checks in your 50s.

The information on this page is general information and should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Do not use the information found on this page as a substitute for professional health care advice. Any information you find on this page or on external sites which are linked to on this page should be verified with your professional healthcare provider.