April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. Know your risk factors, be able to identify symptoms, and get tips to reduce your risk.
Who Is Most At Risk?
Men who:
- Have personal histories of an undescended testicle at birth or other abnormal development of the testes
- Are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Have a genetic problem caused by having an extra X chromosome
- Have personal or family histories of testicular cancer
- Are of white/Caucasian ethnic background
Symptoms:
- A painless lump, enlargement or swelling in either testicle
- A change in how the testicle feels
- Dull aching in the lover abdomen, back or groin
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum
- Sudden collection on fluid in the scrotum
- Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
Reduce Your Risk
- Ask your health care professional to examine your testicles as part of your routine physical exam
- Self-exam: Talk with your health care professional about the testicular self-exam. It is one way to get to know what is normal for you. If you notice a change, talk with your health care professional right away
- Family health: If you have a son who was born with an undescended testicle, talk with his healthcare provider about correcting it before he reaches puberty.
Please contact Althea Moser at amoser@highlands.edu for further information. This wellness initiative is courtesy of the Dept. of Kinesiology and Wellness, the Faculty Grant Scholarship, & the Prevent Cancer Foundation©