Testicular cancer: keep your eye on the ball

Men can be very sensitive about their balls at the best of times. The idea of testicular cancer seems to be one that many men would prefer to ignore – according to research by NetDoctor.co.uk, about four out of five men in the UK don't bother to check themselves regularly for changes in their testicles. This is worrying because, if it's caught early, testicular cancer is one of the most treatable of all cancers.

Testicular cancer is actually not very common, but it has been on the increase for the last 25 years or so. It's also more of a problem among younger men, causing more deaths in the 15-35 age group than any other type of cancer.

The good news is that over 95% of men who seek treatment in the early stages are cured. As with so many diseases, the crucial thing is to get treatment as early as possible. Get to know your testicles, examine them regularly, and if you notice a change see your doctor as soon as possible.

few questions and answers that might help you:

Q: I found a lump on my ball. I was wondering if it may be testicular cancer. Please help!

Kelvyn, 14

experts reply:

It's good that you have checked your balls. Most lumps turn out to be nothing to worry about, but any changes in your testicles should be checked out as soon as possible.

As you have noticed a change, it is important that you seek medical advice. Your doctor is used to advising young men on their sexual health, so please try not to be too embarrassed. There could be a variety of reasons for the lump you have found, for example a cyst or infection, but do make an appointment with your GP.

Q: I am worried I may have testicular cancer. Over the past week I have had a slight pain in my left testicle. After reading some information on this I have noticed that in all cases the testicle is removed. Could you give me some more information?

Morgz, 21

experts reply:

Any prolonged pain in the testicles, or unusual lumps and bumps, should be discussed with your doctor, They will be able to examine you and offer advice and appropriate treatments if necessary. Sometimes, if you haven't been used to examining yourself, you might find a lump that you had not been aware of, but this may be part of the normal anatomy of your testicles.

Q: My right testicle is about twice the size as my left testicle. Could this be cancer or is it just normal?

Sean, 17

experts reply:

You must be feeling quite worried about this. What I can tell you is that one testicle is often slightly larger than the other. Have you noticed whether your testicles have always been this size, or has this changed recently?

Unfortunately cancer is a possibility with any lump in the scrotum. However, most swellings in the scrotum turn out to be non-cancerous. It is important that all lumps in the scrotum are examined by a doctor. This may sound embarrassing but doctors deal will problems like this every day.

Q: I have a girlfriend, and we are both virgins. I think we are going to have sex some time soon. The problem is, I felt my balls and have felt a little lump on it and it hurts when I touch it. Do I have cancer? I am still young. I am too scared to go to the doctor's. Please help.

Greg, 16

experts reply:

You sound very worried about this. As you have noticed a change, it is important that you seek medical advice. Your doctor is used to advising young men on their sexual health, so please try not to be too embarrassed.

There could be a variety of reasons for the lump you have found, for example a cyst or infection. Also, you don't say whether the lump is on the outside of scrotum, or actually on the testicle itself. It doesn't have to be cancer, but do make an appointment with your GP, especially if it is causing you discomfort.

Q: I had one of my testicles removed three years ago due to cancer. The cancer was completely removed and I feel fine. However, it's affecting my confidence in asking women out, and possibly having sex, because I feel I'm 'less' than I should be as a male. Is it worth having surgery to gain a second testicle? I've never talked about this before.

Max, 26

experts reply:

As long as your testicle is functioning properly – that is producing sperm – you are physically able to have sex normally and father children. Having one testicle does not mean you are less of a male. On a psychological level, however, you are struggling with a lack of confidence about asking women out.

Asking someone out can be a nerve-wracking experience for anyone, but if you are feeling low about yourself it can sometimes feel impossible. This can be due to expecting the other person to be as judgemental of you as you are being of yourself. This is not necessarily going to be the case. Being yourself, open and honest is generally what attracts people to you. Making the effort to try and feel good about yourself as a whole person could make a big difference.

It sounds like you are focusing on just one part of your body and judging your whole self by it. Bodies are only one aspect of who we are as individuals, and it is often useful to try and focus on other aspects to get a more balanced view of who we are. Most people will be unhappy about some part of their body, but for some people this dissatisfaction can become the main focus for their self-belief.

One way of trying to improve a negative body image is to try and build up self-confidence. Doing a course to improve self-esteem may be useful.