Remember To Regularly Check Your Balls

Although testicular cancer is rare, it is the most common form of cancer in men aged between 20-39. So, it a good idea to start checking your balls regularly. This will help you recognise what is normal for you and enable you to quickly spot any changes that may have occurred.

Every year in the UK about 1,960 cases of testicular cancer are diagnosed and Testicular cancer causes around 80 deaths in the UK each year. But now for the good news -  survival rates for testicular cancer have risen every year to cure rates of over 95% if caught early.

 

How to check your Testicles

The best time to check your testicles is in (or just after) the bath or shower, when the muscles in the scrotum are more relaxed. Hold your ball sack in your hands so that you can feel the size and weight of each testicle. It is common for one testicle to be slightly larger and it may also hang lower than the other - so don’t panic if you feel this. Feel each testicle and roll it between your thumb and finger. It should feel smooth. You’ll feel a soft, tender tube towards the back of each testicle then this is normal.

Changes to look out for down there
Testicular cancer usually appears in only one testicle. Look out for these signs:

• a hard lump on the front or side of a testicle
• swelling or enlargement of a testicle
• pain or discomfort in the scrotum or testicles
• an unusual difference between one testicle and the other
• a heavy or dragging feeling in the scrotum
• a dull ache in the lower stomach, groin or scrotum.

If you do notice any changes go to your doctor immediately. Early treatment for testicular cancer is very successful - so remember check your ball regularly.