Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is currently the most common cancer in men aged between 20 and 35.

It is important to examine your testicles regularly so that if you spot any changes or lumps you can see your doctor straight away.

Self examinations are important as they help you familiarise yourself with what is normal and you will notice if something seems to be wrong. Changes are easier to spot if something suddenly seems to be different compared to how your testicles normally feel.

There is no clear cause of testicular cancer, although some groups of people seem to be more vulnerable than others.

Men who had undescended testicles (testicles that don’t drop down to the scrotum) when they were young seem to be more at risk as are men with a family history or testicular cancer or infertility.

Checking for Testicular cancer

If you find a lump or notice any changes in your testicles it is important to go to your GP straight away – the earlier testicular cancer is diagnosed the sooner it can be treated.

Click here to see a video showing you how to examine your testicles.

You can also read more about testicular cancer on the NHS Choices website.

This article was last reviewed on: 27/10/11
Date due for next review: 27/10/13