Testicular Cancer Awareness Month: What Every Man Should Know
April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about Testicular cancer, the most common cancer in men ages 15–44. While it represents a small percentage of all cancers in the U.S., it is one of the most curable, especially when detected early.
Early detection is critical. Identifying changes sooner can often reduce the need for more intensive treatments like chemotherapy or radiation and lessen the emotional and financial burden on patients and their families. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 9,700 men are diagnosed each year, with roughly 600 deaths. The five-year survival rate is around 95%, reinforcing how treatable this disease can be when caught in time.
Risk increases with a family history, particularly in a father or brother, a history of undescended testicle(s), or conditions such as germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS), often identified during infertility evaluations. However, many men diagnosed have no known risk factors, which is why awareness matters for everyone.
The most common symptom is a painless lump. Other possible signs include swelling or enlargement of a testicle, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, a dull ache in the lower abdomen, groin, or testicle, fluid buildup in the scrotum, or tenderness and changes in breast tissue. Pain is not always present, so any new or unusual change should be taken seriously.
Self-checks are a simple way to stay proactive about your health. The best time to examine yourself is after a warm shower, when the scrotum is relaxed. Gently roll each testicle between your thumb and fingers, feeling the entire surface. It is normal for one testicle to be slightly larger. Become familiar with the epididymis and vas deferens, which are soft, tube-like structures behind the testicle, so they are not mistaken for abnormalities. Pay attention to any lumps, swelling, or changes in size, shape, or texture.
If you notice any new lump, swelling, or change, even without pain, schedule a medical evaluation promptly. It may be nothing, but if it is cancer, early treatment is highly effective and often much simpler.
Testicular cancer is highly curable. Taking a few minutes each month to perform a self-check and having open conversations with your provider are small steps that can make a life-saving difference.