By Thomas Doucet

To Your Health

To Your Health: Testicular Cancer

Apr 26, 2022 | 3:21 PM

PRINCE GEORGE—It is the most common type of cancer for men aged 18 to 40. As many as 1 in 200 men is expected to be diagnosed with testicular cancer in their lifetime but it is not all bad news as Doctor Lucia Nappi explains

“It is a very unique cancer and not just because it affects very young men. This is unusual because it is normally known as a disease of elderly people. Also because it can be cured, the treatments we have for it is highly effective,” said Dr. Nappi.

Testicular cancer begins in one of both of the testis and can affect the surrounding skin as well as the seminal vesicles but if caught early treatment is highly effective.

“If we do early diagnosis of the cancer when it is only in the testicle, usually treatment of the cancer is to remove the testicle that is affected and that is enough to cure the cancer,” continued Dr. Nappi.

Early detection is key in a disease like this as testis cancer can spread throughout the body including up to the lungs if left unchecked. The good news is you can screen for the condition yourself.

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“Taking a shower feel the testicles, be aware of your body and if anything changes over time you will be able to identify it,” says Dr. Nappi

But what should you look for when performing a self-examination?

“The most Common predestination of testis cancer is the painless swelling of one testicle. Sometimes both can be affected at the same time,” said Dr, Nappi.

Other symptoms can include a change in the weight of the testicles. bumps r lumps forming in the scrotum and a dull ache in your groin, stomach or back.

If you suffer from any of the symptoms a trip to your doctor can get the ball rolling early. If caught in the beginning stages the survival rate is well over 90%