Facts & Figures
- 2,400 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer every year in the UK – that’s more than 6 per day
- Testicular cancer is 98% curable if detected early – meaning men surviving 10 years or more
- Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15-45 – with the highest incidence in men aged 30-34
- Testicular cancer is on the rise – incidence rates have increased by more than a quarter since the early 1990’s
Signs & Symptoms
- Lump
- Pain
- Hardness
- Swelling
- Heaviness
- If you have any of the symptoms of testicular cancer, or have discovered anything not normal for you – then you must visit a medical professional. Don’t let embarrassment kill you, don’t be afraid to talk bollocks
How to Check
- Step One: Check one testicle at a time using both hands (after a hot bath or shower)
- Step Two: Firmly but gently roll your testicle between your thumb and fingers (don’t squeeze too hard!)
- Step Three: Get to know your Epididymis (your sperm cord – which can be rather tender)
- Step Four: Feel for the signs & symptoms of testicular cancer – or anything not normal for you (it’s normal for one to be bigger)
- Repeat every month
Risk Factors
- Family history – if your brother or father had testicular cancer you are 4-8 times more likely to develop it
- Previous testicular cancer – if you have previously been diagnosed with testicular cancer you are 12-18 times more likely to develop cancer in the remaining testicle (it’s important to attend follow-up appointments)
- Undescended testicles (cryptorchidism) – the risk is greater in men where the condition isn’t corrected, or who haven’t had the surgery by age 11-13
Mythbusters
- Testicular cancer isn’t caused by kicks or injuries to the balls (but if you have any persistent pain, swelling or lump following an injury, you should still visit a medical professional to check it out)
- Testicular cancer isn’t infectious – and can’t be passed on to other people
- Having a vasectomy does not increase your risk of testicular cancer
- A prostate exam does not check for testicular cancer (it only checks for signs & symptoms of prostate cancer)
Text Reminders
- Text BALLS to 70300 to receive your free monthly text reminder to check your balls for testicular cancer – awareness direct to your pocket!
- Standard network rates apply for your initial sign up text, after which all texts you receive from The Robin Cancer Trust are free
- Text STOP to 70300 to unsubscribe
- The Robin Cancer Trust will keep your details safe and secure and will not pass them on to any third parties
If you've got testicles then you need to watch this video...#TeamRCT please watch & share our testicular cancer awareness video - help us raise awareness, reduce embarrassment and save lives through early detection by #TalkingBollocks!
Posted by The Robin Cancer Trust on Wednesday, 6 April 2016
#TrexChecks - Testicular Cancer Awareness MonthAn awareness video 65 million years in the making... Find out why T-Rex was so angry #TrexChecks 😂#TeamRCT April is #TesticularCancerAwarenessMonth so please watch and share with your friends, family, collleagues and fellow dinosaurs!
Posted by The Robin Cancer Trust on Sunday, 2 April 2017
How to perform a testicular self-exam#TeamRCT if you do one thing today - please watch this 30 second video - it could save your life! Testicular Cancer is 98% curable if detected early... Check yourself once a month and keep #TalkingBollocks! 🍒 #TesticularCancerAwarenessMonth
Posted by The Robin Cancer Trust on Sunday, 23 April 2017
References: Cancer Research UK / Macmillan Cancer Support / National Germ Cell Group
