The text of a leaflet produced in October 1994 by Durex information service for sexual health. This leaflet was made available by my local health authority (East Berkshire) at the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Greyhound Club, Colnbrook Bypass, near Slough

This leaflet is aimed at men, especially those between 15-40 years of age. The topics covered are:

Testicles
Cancer - what is it?
Who is more likely to develop testicular cancer?
How to check yourself for testicular cancer
Where to go for help if you think you might have testicular cancer

After reading this leaflet you will be able to check yourself every month - it is very easy and COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE.

Testicles

Your testicles are also known as "balls" or "bollocks". They are in a bag of skin called a scrotum which hangs below your penis.

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Cancer - what is it?

The body is made up of millions of cells. The growth of these cells is controlled. If the control process goes wrong then some cells may grow a lot faster than normal. When this happens a growth or tumour is formed by the new cells produced. This growth or tumour may be completely out of control and able to spread to other tissues and this is then called "cancer".

What is testicular cancer?

This is when a growth or tumour appears in one of your testicles

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Who is more likely to develop testicular cancer?

Any man who has testicles can get testicular cancer. However, it tends to affect men aged between 15-40 years of age.

Some men are at a higher than average risk - these are men who:
1) Have only one testicle.
2) Had a testicle which did not come down into the scrotum properly when they were a young boy.
It is not known whether there is a link between vasectomy and testicular cancer. Some reports say there is and others say there is not.

How will you know if you have testicular cancer?

You may not unless you check yourself every month. If you do find a lump it is important that you visit your doctor straight away.

If you detect testicular cancer early enough it can be cured. If you do not detect it, little bits of cancer may break off and travel in the blood to other parts of your body. This could lead to serious illness and possibly death.

So what do I do now?

The next step is to check yourself to see if you can feel any lumps in your testicles.

The diagrams and explanation below show you how to do this - it will only take two minutes.

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How to check yourself for testicular cancer

This is best carried out after a warm bath or shower as the skin of the scrotum is then relaxed and loose.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Stand up and support the testicles in the palm of your hand to check the size and weight. Although one testicle may be slightly larger than the other, they should be the same weight.

2. Hold one testicle between the thumb (on top) and the middle and index fingers (underneath) and roll gently, checking for lumps, tenderness, or changes in consistency.

3. Do the same with the other testicle.

4. Repeat this process at a regular time each month so you do not forget.

What should I look for?

Look for any change from month to month:
1. Swelling (which may or may not be painful)
2. Tenderness
3. Hardness or any lump
4. Weight gain in either testicle, any feeling of unusual heaviness
5. Blood passing from the penis or noticed in the urine
6. Back pain

(Don't be alarmed if you feel a "sausage-shaped" lump at the back and top of each testicle. This is the "epididymis" where the sperm is stored.)

If you experience any of these symptoms, see your GP.

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Where to go for help if you think you might have testicular cancer

Go and tell your doctor. Remember that not all lumps will be cancer but should be checked anyway.

What if cancer is diagnosed?

Don't worry, testicular cancer doesn't happen very often and when detected early, due to great advances in treatment, it can be cured.

If detection is delayed, follow up treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be required depending on the form present.

What is most important in the treatment of testicular cancer is early detection. So remember to follow the guidelines in this leaflet each month.

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DUREX INFORMATION SERVICE FOR SEXUAL HEALTH
LONDON INTERNATIONAL HOUSE, BROXBOURNE, HERTS, EN10 6LN

DUREX IS A TRADEMARK OF LRC PRODUCTS LTD
OCTOBER 1994