Testicular cancer

Debbie Hutchings, Cancer Research UK's Cancer Information Nurse says:

"Although testicular cancer is rare it is the most common cancer in men aged 15-44. Overall around 2,000 cases are diagnosed each year in the UK. 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.

"The early signs of testicular cancer are usually obvious and easy to spot and these may include:

• A hard lump on the front or side of the testicle
• Swelling or enlargement of a testicle
• An increase in firmness of a testicle
• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum
• An unusual difference between one testicle and the other

"Any changes may have other causes, but should always be checked out. The good news is that testicular cancer is almost always curable if it is found early and over 90 per cent of men with testicular cancer can be successfully treated.

"We would advise that anything unusual should always be reported to your doctor."

24 September 2004