April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

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© 

www.preventcancer.org