Hi, I’m Curtis Walker I like to make people laugh. But this is no joke 

There’s a real issue facing us as black people and you can help us start to change things. 

TESTICULAR CANCER FACTS 

Cancer of the testicles is rare but is the most common cancer in men aged 15-45. And it is affecting more men each year. A simple, regular self-check could help you detect early signs of the disease. If you do notice changes, it’s important to act right away. With early treatment there’s a good chance there will be no further problems. 

WARNING SIGNS 

The early signs of testicular cancer are usually obvious and easy to spot. 

Watch out for one or more of the following… 

■ a hard lump on the front or side of a testicle 

■ swelling or enlargement of a testicle 

■ an increase in firmness of a testicle 

■ pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum (the sac that holds the testicles) 

■ an unusual difference between one testicle and the other 

Other warning signs may include a heavy feeling in the scrotum 

■ a dull ache in the lower stomach, groin or scrotum

HOW TO CHECK YOURSELF 

Everyone is different, so if you spot any changes, you need to know what’s normal for you. From the time of puberty onwards, you should do a regular self-check. The best time to do this is in the shower or bath, or soon afterwards. Hold your scrotum in the palm of your hand and feel the size and weight of the testicles. It is common to have one testicle slightly larger than the other, or one that hangs lower. Feel each testicle and roll it between your thumb and finger. It should feel smooth. You’ll feel a soft, tender tube towards the back of each testicle. This is normal and is called the Epididymis. It’s unusual to develop cancer in both testicles at the same time, so if you’re wondering whether a testicle is feeling normal or not you can compare it with the other. 

If you notice anything unusual about your testicles you should go and see a doctor as soon as possible. Act now, don’t wait a week or two. Any changes may have other causes but should always be checked out. 

WHAT IF I HAVE TESTICULAR CANCER? 

The good news is that testicular cancer is almost always curable if it’s found early. The disease responds well to treatment even if it has spread to other parts of the body. These days more than nine out of ten patients are cured. Most of them enjoy a normal sex life and many father children. 

WHAT CAUSES TESTICULAR CANCER? 

We don’t know what causes testicular cancer, but we do know that some people have a higher risk of developing the disease. If one or both of a boy’s testicles hasn’t descended by the age of seven or so, he has a greater chance of developing testicular cancer late in life. Your risk is higher if a close member of the family has been diagnosed with the disease. White men, particularly those from higher-income backgrounds, are more likely to develop testicular cancer than black or Asian men. Remember to keep your eye on the ball. 

Testicular cancer is easier to treat if it’s caught early. Check yourself regularly and look out for the warning signs. 

EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES 

Testicular cancer is nearly always curable if it’s found early. Early detection means simpler, more effective treatment with fewer side effects. 

FURTHER INFORMATION 

For more about cancer visit our patient information website www.cancerhelp.org.uk  click on ‘specific cancers’ then ‘testicular cancer’.