Chris Hughes’ brother discusses his testicular cancer diagnosis

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Testicular cancer tends to mostly affect men between the ages of 15 and 49. The symptoms can be similar to other conditions that affect the testicles, like infections. But if you experience any symptoms in the testicles you should always get checked out by your GP. A study has revealed the five most common signs of the disease.

A new study, commissioned by health experts at Livi, the online GP service, has found that surprising numbers of men are not checking themselves for testicular cancer, despite it becoming increasingly common, with an increase of 24 percent since the 1990s.

The survey also revealed which signs of the cancer men are most likely to recognise, with over three quarters (77 percent) of men recognising lumps as a symptom, but only a third (34 percent) identifying heaviness in the scrotum and a difference in appearance between the testicles (33 percent) as potential signs. 

It’s recommended that you perform a self-exam once a month.

By checking regularly, a person will have an easier time noticing when something has changed.

Younger generations appear to be significantly less likely to check their testicles, with nearly half of 18–24-year-olds admitting that they had never checked themselves for cancer. This is particularly concerning as testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer amongst young men, particularly those in their early 30s.

However, older generations appeared to be significantly more likely to check themselves. 

Those aged 25–34 years old were found to be the most likely, with only 21 percent stating they had never checked their testicles.  

DON’T MISS: 
UK lockdown alert: India variant threatens roadmap – PM urged to act [ANALYSIS]
Zahawi on the spot as he fails to rule out June 21 reopening delays [VIDEO]
India variant: Will there be local restrictions again? [INSIGHT]

The five most recognisable signs of testicular cancer include:

• Lumps
• Enlargement of testicles
• Pain or discomfort in testicles
• Heaviness in scrotum
• Difference in appearance between testicles

Testiscular cancer is most common in men in their late 20s and early 30s, with an average age of diagnosis of 33 years old, said John Hopkins Medicine.

The health site added: “In fact, testis cancer is the most common malignancy among men 20 to 40 years old.

“However, testiscular cancer can occur at any age: It is the second most common malignancy in young men 15 to 19 years old with approximately six percent of cases occurring in children and teens, and about seven percent occurring in men over the age of 55.”

The cause of testicular cancer is not known. But there are certain risk factors that may increase the chance of developing it.

These include having an undescended testicle as a child. Or having a brother or father who had testicular cancer can slightly increase the risk.

Having a risk factor does not mean you will get cancer. And if you do not have any risk factors, you may still develop it.

This is why it is integral for a man to note any unusual symptoms and speak with his GP immediately.
Source: Read Full Article