It’s the most common cancer in young men, yet almost no one talks about it.
Let’s start with a shocking statistic: Testicular cancer is the #1 cancer diagnosed in men aged 15 to 35. Now for the second shocker: a recent survey found that only 13% of men in this high-risk group know how to perform a self-exam. That means a staggering 87% are in the dark about a simple, one-minute check that could mean the difference between early detection and a life-threatening diagnosis.
The good news? When caught early, the survival rate for testicular cancer is over 95%. The key is to find it before it has a chance to spread. And the best person to do that is you.
It’s time to change the statistic. Forget the awkwardness and take control of your health. Here is the simple, 60-second self-exam you need to start doing every single month.
The One-Minute Lifesaver: Your Step-by-Step Guide
The best time to perform a testicular self-exam (TSE) is during or right after a warm shower or bath. The heat relaxes the scrotum, making it easier to feel for anything unusual.
- Step 1: Check One at a Time. Gently but firmly, roll one testicle between your thumb and fingers of both hands. Use slight pressure to feel the entire surface.
- Step 2: Feel for Lumps and Bumps. The testicle should feel smooth, oval-shaped, and firm, but not rock-hard. It’s normal for one to be slightly larger than the other. Don’t be alarmed by the soft, rope-like tube at the back of each testicle—that’s the epididymis, and it’s supposed to be there.
- Step 3: Pay Attention to Changes. What you’re looking for is anything that wasn’t there before. Specifically, be on the lookout for:
- A hard lump or nodule (can be as small as a pea)
- A change in the size or shape of the testicle
- Swelling or a feeling of heaviness
- A dull ache or pain in the area or in the groin
- Step 4: Repeat on the Other Side. Now do the same for the other testicle.
“I Found Something. Now What?”
First: Don’t panic. Most lumps are not cancer. They can be caused by cysts, infections, or other harmless conditions.
Second: Don’t ignore it. The only way to know for sure what’s going on is to see a doctor. Schedule an appointment right away. It can be an intimidating conversation, but your doctor is a professional who is there to help, not to judge. A few moments of awkwardness are worth your peace of mind and, potentially, your life.
Make it a Monthly Habit
Set a reminder on your phone for the first of every month. It takes less time than brushing your teeth. This simple one-minute habit is one of the most powerful things you can do for your long-term health.
Share this article. You could save the life of a friend, a brother, a son, or a partner. Let’s make sure that 100% of men know how to take this simple, life-saving step.