Checking for testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is rare with just under 2000 new cases diagnosed every year in the UK. But, it's the most common type of cancer in young men with half of all cases occurring in men under 35 years old, and it accounts for between 1% and 2% of all male cancers . Men with undescended testes are most at risk, as are those whose testicles descended after they were aged 16.

The most common symptom is a small painless lump in a testicle or a slightly enlarged testicle. That's why it's important to become familiar with the size and feel of your balls. Examine the testicles once a month, after a warm bath or shower when the scrotal skin is relaxed.

How do you do the check?

1. First hold the scrotum in the palms of your hands so that you can use the fingers and thumb on both hands to examine your testicles.
   
2. Note the size and weight of the testicles. It's normal for them to vary in size but a noticeable increase in size or weight may need checking by a GP.
   
3. Now gently feel each testicle. The soft tube at the top and back of the testicle, the epididymis, carries and stores sperm and may feel slightly tender. Don't confuse it with an abnormal lump.
   
4. The testicle itself should be smooth with no lumps or swellings. It is unusual to develop cancer in both testicles at the same time.
   
5. Feel for any abnormal lumps about the size of a pea on the front or the side of the testicle.
   
6. If you do find something abnormal go and see your GP, but try not to worry, as many small lumps that appear in the testicles are harmless cysts rather than cancer. All need to be checked, though, just in case.