A urologist is stressing the importance of regular self-exams for testicular health, citing the high survival rate of testicular cancer when caught early. Most testicular lumps are not cancerous, but some are, and the only way to know is to get checked.
Understanding Testicular Health
The testicles have two key tasks: making sperm and producing male sex hormones, primarily testosterone. A healthy man produces tens of millions of sperm every day, and testosterone is responsible for muscle mass, bone density, libido, mood, and energy.
Regular self-exams can help men get familiar with their normal anatomy and recognize changes when they happen. The urologist recommends doing self-exams in the shower, as warm water relaxes the scrotum, making the testicles easier to feel.
Men should check for any lumps, hard areas, or changes in size, and consult a doctor if they find anything unusual. A firm, painless lump on the testicle itself is a red flag and could be a sign of testicular cancer.
Importance of Early Detection
About 9,800 men in the United States will be diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2026, according to the American Cancer Society. The disease is most common in younger and middle-aged men, especially those in their 20s and 30s, and it is one of the most treatable cancers when found early, with a survival rate of about 99% when caught early.
Early detection is crucial, and men should not delay seeking medical attention if they find anything unusual during a self-exam. A doctor can perform a physical exam, ultrasound, and lab work to determine the cause of any symptoms or abnormalities.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
