Cahonas Scotland
Telephone: (0141) 941 0058
Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer among men in Scotland aged 15-45 (excluding non melanoma skin cancers).
Contact your GP practice if you notice any of the following:
- Lump or swelling in either testicle.
- Discomfort in the groin that is persistent.
- Ongoing back pain.
These could be symptoms of something else but if it is testicular cancer and it’s found early, it’s very curable. It is really important that men check themselves regularly and contact their GP practice if they notice anything persistent or unusual for them.
By doing regular checks yourself, you’ll know what is normal for you and help you spot any changes early. If you are unsure what to do, Cahonas Scotland has produced a self-check guide.
expands the full quotation and moves focus to the start of the 2nd paragraph, so you can continue to read the full quoteTesticular cancer is very curable if found early. Regular self-examination of the testicles, at least once a month, is recommended for all men, from early teenage years onward. If you notice a change in the size, shape or firmness of either testicle, contact your GP practice.
If you’re a man, it’s good to set a reminder to examine yourself (and there are free smart phone apps that can be useful to download to help with this). If you’re a woman, you can encourage the men in your life to self-examine. It might help save a life!
If you have symptoms, your GP practice wants to know. If it isn’t serious, the doctor or nurse can put your mind at ease. And if it is, finding out earlier means it’s more likely that treatments will be successful.
Many people put off getting symptoms checked as they’re worried they’ll be wasting the doctor’s or nurse’s time – or they might feel embarrassed. Remember, they see thousands of patients every year and are here to help.
If you’d feel more comfortable with a male nurse or doctor, be sure to mention this when you contact your GP practice.
They might:
- Ask questions about your symptoms and general health.
- Depending on your symptoms they may do a general examination. They will feel for any areas that might be swollen or don’t feel normal. And if you have any pain they will feel those areas too.
- Examine your testicles and feel the lymph nodes at the top of your legs.
- Recommend some blood tests are done.
After your examination, you might need to be referred to the hospital for tests, such as an ultrasound. Or you might be referred directly to a specialist.
If the healthcare professional doesn’t think you need a referral or any tests, they might ask you to come back in a week or two if your symptoms continue.
Real stories
Paul noticed a heaviness and pain in his groin whilst running. He looked up the Cahonas Scotland website to get advice on how to check himself and found a lump whilst in the bath.
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Cancer Research UK
Telephone: (0808) 800 4040