Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in young men. But when it’s diagnosed and treated early, there’s a high chance you’ll come out the other side A-OK.
Here you’ll learn about testicular cancer risk factors, how to get to know your nuts, and what to do if something doesn’t seem quite right.
Cancer is a disease in which your body’s cells grow out of control.
When this abnormal cell growth starts in your nuts, it’s called testicular cancer.
Cancer affects Germ Cells (The type of cells within the testicle that become sperm). Testicles originate in the abdomen and then fall into the testicle, so when cancer cells look to spread, they often go back to where they originate from and then frequently travels to the lymph nodes
Testicular Cancer Prevalence:
Testicular cancer isn’t very common. Globally, it makes up less than 1% of all male tumors. But, it’s the most common cancer in young men. Fortunately, testicular cancer is highly curable when it’s found and treated early. That’s why it’s so important to know what’s normal (and what’s not) for your nuts, and he ad to the doctor if something’s not quite right.
The most common cancer in young men aged 20 to 39 (Apart from common skin Cancers)
It is estimated that more than 1,000 will be diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2023 with the average age being 36 years old to get a diagnosis
More than 109,000 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year.
At least 10,000 men die from testicular cancer each year.
Over 836,000 men are living with and beyond testicular cancer right now
Signs and Symptoms
Most common symptom is a painless swelling or a lump in a testicle or a change in size/shape*
*If you notice any of these symptoms then you should consult with your GP for an assessment where they may screen for further testing if necessary.
Testing
The best thing you can do is test, yep, go on and have a feel.
If you notice any lumps, swelling or irregularities then flag it with your Doctor
70% of Men never have or don’t regularly check their nuts
If you don’t check regularly, then it's pretty hard to know what ‘normal’ feels like
So, I’m giving you permission (maybe in private) to go ahead and check your nuts
Risk Factors
The causes of testicular cancer are largely unknown however certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of you developing it such as:
Family history
Undecended testicle
Previous cancer
Infertility
HIV/AIDs
Cannabis use
Once again, if you are concerned about these risk factors then please consult your GP
What does the research say about
Physiotherapy and Testicular Cancer?
Research Article 1: Physiotherapy and Physical Activity as Factors Improving the Psychological State of Patients With Cancer (Zyzniewska-Banaszak, Kucharska-Mazur & Mazur, 2021) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8645643/
Take Home Messages 1. Physical activity and Physiotherapy can counteract several side effects of chemotherapy or hormonal therapy, such as
Fatigue
Weight gain/loss
Muscle atrophy
2. Regular physical activity can form prevention for depressive disorders.
Physical Activity can improve
Mood
Self-esteem
Reduce anxiety and pain in patients.
Research Article 2:
Adams SC, DeLorey DS, Davenport MH, Fairey AS, North S, Courneya KS. Effects of high-intensity interval training on fatigue and quality of life in testicular cancer survivors. Br J Cancer. (2018) 118:1313–21. 10.1038/s41416-018-0044-7
Take Home Messages 1. Physical activity is an effective method of supporting cancer treatment and plays an important role in its prevention. 2. Individualisation of physiotherapy programs has a positive effect on patient cooperation.
To overcome barriers, patients in advanced stages of cancer should be offered programs that include information, motivational counseling, and individualised exercise training.
Resources for Testicular Cancer 1. Movember Testicular Cancer Resource Page (Facts / How to Test / What to do if you find something) https://au.movember.com/men-s-health/testicular-cancer?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw8diwBhAbEiwA7i_sJW0gtdBp4JB_2gZkZBZZC26QgvCvHlu_nRDl7qw_t39yqmpA8pDylBoCsYsQAvD_BwE
2. Testicular Cancer Foundation (Fantastic resource for Education) https://www.testicularcancer.org/
3. Men's Health Article on Testicular Cancer
4. Cancer Council - Testicular Cancer
Summary
Don't be afraid to check your nuts.
Talk to your mates about it "Have you checked your nuts?" You might get a giggle at first but I can guarantee that it begins to spark a thought of self-assessment from your mate.
If you need more information or have any questions then please contact Dane here at High Line Active Richmond for any Men's Health Physiotherapy Advice