Although it is becoming more frequent, testicular cancer is still quite uncommon, but is one of the most treatable cancers. As yet we do not know what causes it, but we do know that men who were born with an undescended, or partly descended testes, are five more times as likely to develop testicular cancer. Other research has suggested that there may be a hereditary factor involved, and if you have a father or brother who has developed testicular cancer it means you could be more likely to develop it.

Testicular cancer usually affects men between the age of 19 and 44 and the first signs and symptoms are usually a swelling of one of the testicles, or a pea-sized hard lump on the front of a testicle. Occasionally there may be a dull ache, or more rarely pain.

From the time of puberty onwards you should do a simple, quick check of yourself regularly, perhaps once a month. This will help to find what is normal for you and you will be able to detect any changes.

A good time to do this is in, or immediately after, a bath or shower, when the muscle in the scrotal sac is more relaxed.

Hold your scrotum in the palms of your hands, so that you can use the fingers and thumb on both hands to examine your testicles. Note the size and weight of the testicles. It is common to have one testicle slightly larger, or hanging slightly lower, than the other, but any increase in size or weight may mean that something is wrong.

If you do notice any change particularly a hardening, lump, or swelling, you should discuss this with your doctor as soon as possible. Men can sometimes be embarrassed because of the sensitive nature, but only your doctor will be able to tell whether or not further tests will be necessary.