Testicular and Prostate Cancer
Testicular Cancer
The aim of this article is to encourage all men to examine their testicles (balls) on a monthly basis and to promptly seek medical advice should you discover something is wrong.
Testicular cancer is on the increase especially among men in the 20-44 age group, but can develop in men as early as 15. The good news is that the ‘C’ in 99% of cases can be cured if detected at an early stage, hence the importance of testicular self examination.
Warning signs
- Small hard painless lump
- A dull ache in the scrotum, groin or lower back
- A testicle getting larger
- One testicle feeling heavier than the other
- Collection of fluid
Your Monthly Testicular Self Examination Guide
- Step One
It is best to examine your testicles after a warm bath or shower when the heat relaxes the skin ‘the scrotum’ making examination easier - Step Two
Next examine each testicle in turn. Using both hands, gently roll the testicle between the thumbs and fingers, you will find a hard ridge on top of the testicle, this is normal. You are checking for any lumps, irregular swellings or change in firmness
If you have any doubts about what you’ve found, don’t delay – go to see your GP or any NHS sexual health (GUM) clinic.
For further information, please contact:
BACUP – Cancer information and counselling service.
3 Bath Place, Rivington Street, London EC2A 3JR
Tel: 0207 613 2121 or 0800 181199
Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. Every year 32,000 men are diagnosed with the disease and 10,000 men die – that’s one man every hour.
Where is the prostate gland? – The prostate is the shape and size of a walnut and sits underneath the bladder. It surrounds the tube that men pee through (the urethra) which is why, if something goes wrong, it can cause problems with the waterworks.
What does the prostate do? – The prostate gland is crucial to a man’s sexual function. It makes and secretes one of the five major fluids that make up semen.
What are the symptoms? – The following symptoms may be a sign of a prostate problem, but many men with early prostate cancer will not have any symptoms at all. These symptoms can be caused by other non-cancerous problems so it’s important to visit your GP to find out what is wrong.
- Peeing more often, especially at night
- Difficulty starting or taking a long time to finish
- Feeling the bladder hasn’t emptied properly
Who is at risk? – Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer are aged over 50. The risk increases if there is a history of diagnosis in the family or if the man is of African or African Caribbean background. Men may be able to reduce their risk by eating less animal fat, eating more fruit and vegetables, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Where can I go to find out more? – Your first port of call should be to speak to your GP or alternatively contact The Prostate Cancer Charity who can send free information about prostate cancer and other prostate problems. Their confidential Helpline is staffed by specialist nurses. Call 0800 074 8383 or visit www.prostate-cancer.org.uk.
