Check your testicles for signs of testicular cancer

Check your testicles from puberty onwards. Although testicular cancer isn’t one of the most common types of cancer overall, it is the most common form of cancer in men aged 20-39.

It’s a good idea for men to check their testicles from the time of puberty onwards, to get a feel for what is normal so that it’s easier to notice any unusual changes.

How to check your testicles

The best time to check your testicles is in (or just after) the bath or shower, when the muscles in the scrotum are more relaxed.

  • Hold your scrotum in your hands so that you can feel the size and weight of each testicle. It is common for one testicle to be slightly larger and it may also hang lower than the other.
  • 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.
 

Changes to look out for

Our CancerHelp UK site has detailed information about how you can check your testicles.

 

Things to look out for are:

  • a hard lump on the front or side of a testicle
  • pain or discomfort in the scrotum or testicles
  • an unusual difference between one testicle and the other
  • a heavy or dragging feeling in the scrotum
  • a dull ache in the lower stomach, groin or scrotum.

If you do notice anything unusual, don’t put it off, make an appointment and get it checked out by your doctor.

 
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