Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

Testicular cancer is a highly treatable and usually curable type of cancer. It typically develops in one or both testicles in young men, but it can occur in older men as well.

Risk Factors

• An undescended testicle
• Family history
• HIV infection
• Previous history of testicular cancer
• Race – Caucasian males have a 4-5 times greater risk than African American and Asian-American males
• Body size – tall men have a somewhat higher risk factor
• Age – About half of testicular cancers occur in men between 20 and 24 years old, but it can affect males of any age, including infants and elderly men

Early Detection

• Some may find a lump on the testicle. Others may just have swelling or the testicle may be larger than normal.
• Some may not have any symptoms until after the cancer has reached an advanced stage.
• If you notice any changes or a lump in a testicle, go to your doctor immediately.
• Talk to your doctor to see if monthly self-exams are right for you.
• For more information on how to perform self-exams, visit the American Cancer Society website.

To learn more about Testicular Cancer or any other type of cancer, visit the American Cancer Society @www.cancer.org, or call 1(800) 227-2345. You can also reach your MCHS oncology navigators at 640-2689 (Stacy Bond) or 640-1578 (Jackie Freeman).