Self-Examination for Testicular Cancer
Checking one’s testicles seems to be something of a taboo subject for males; whilst there has been a great deal of publicity devoted to raising awareness about (female) breast cancer and the self-diagnosis process that women should utilise to remain vigilant, the same cannot be said for men.
Studies into the issue of testicular cancer has highlighted a rather worrying trend: many men, even when they feel that there maybe cause for concern, do not report their fears to their doctor due to embarrassment, concern that they not would be taken seriously or as a wilful choice to avoid facing the potentially grim and bleak reality of actually having testicular cancer.
However, whatever our personal feelings may be on the subject, it is essential that we remain vigilant and proactive in screening ourselves in order to determine whether or not there is the possibility of cancer being present. The reason for this is simple: the earlier testicular cancer is diagnosed, the higher the chances of survival and total remission.
Experts recommend that males looking to maximise the efficacy of the self-checking process should begin a self-examination either during or immediately after, a bath or shower. The reason for this is due to the heat of the water which will cause the skin of the scrotum to loosen and flex, making it all the easier to manipulate the skin and feel for any lesions or bumps.
It must be noted that the presence of a lump within the scrotal area is not automatically a sign of cancer, the bump maybe caused as a result of an inflamed hair follicle as the pubic hair of the scrotum has been forcibly removed (perhaps caught in the trousers or underwear of the male).
If you should notice a dull ache in the scrotum or the immediate area around the groin, pain in these regions, or hard lumps are issues that should be reported to your physician for further investigation.
One potential indicator of testicular cancer is the onset of swelling and pain within the breasts, which itself is caused by the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone.
Self-diagnosis has become something of a contentious issue within the medical community with some experts arguing that it is an out-dated and ineffectual practise because it has done little if anything, to reduce the mortality rates associated with the condition. However, others have argued that it is only by careful scrutiny that males who already have a family history of the condition will be able to ensure that they receive sufficient treatment in time.
The actual mortality rate associated with testicular cancer is fairly low; recent studies commissioned by the World Health Organisation has identified that an average of 8000 American males are afflicted with the condition and of this figure, there are 400 reported deaths specifically attributable to the testicular cancer.
Constituting 5% of the population, it is plain to see that the long-term prospects for males who contract the condition are fairly good. In addition, significant progress that has been made in a number of different treatment options, specifically, in the field of adjuvant therapy have significantly improved the efficacy of diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
In conclusion: it is imperative that we maintain a dignified and balanced perspective concerning the issue of testicular cancer. By ensuring that we regularly and diligently self-examine our testicles, we improve the odds of our survival.
