Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is most common among males aged 15-40, with the the highest occurrence in the mid-late twenties, however it also has one of the highest cure rates of all cancers, with over 95% of men making a full recovery and over 98% who are diagnosed at stage one. However, this is only possible if it is detected and treated early, as it can spread other organs in the body and if untreated will eventually lead to a mild case of death.
It is recommended that blokes check themselves once a month, after a hot shower or bath when everything is hanging a bit looser, and visit the doctor if anything is wrong. It may feel uncomfortable having another guy poking at your undercarriage, but it's a few minutes of discomfort against months of treatment. Symptoms you should check for include:
- A lump or enlargement of either testicle
- Loss of sexual activity of interest
- Burning sensation, especially following physical activity
- Build up of fluid in the scrotum
- Dull ache in lower abdomen or groin
- Sudden change in size of one or both of the testes
- Blood in semen
- General weak or tired feeling
If it burns, bleeds, grows or hurts, go to a doctor!!
Cancer Stages
Testicular cancer can be broken down into four stages, dependent on how far along the cancer has spread. As with any cancer, early diagnosis and treatment greatly increases the chance of full recovery. Don't just leave it be and hope that it will get better, life isn't always that kind and cancer will kill you.
- Stage 1: Cancer remains localised to the testis and after removal no further treatment should hopefully be required. At this stage the cure rate is essentially 100%.
- Stage 2: Cancer has metastised to retroperitoneal and/or Paraaortic lymph nodes.
- Stage 3: Cancer has metastised to other organs beyond the retroperitoneal and Paraaortic lymph nodes.
- Stage 4: If there is liver and/or lung secondaries.
Once cancer is diagnosed and the stage determined treatment can begin, usually starting with surgery to remove the cancerous testicle and then followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. After treatment is completed further surveillance is required, usually for the next five years at least. If cancer is treated early most men are able to retain all the usual functions with one testicle, fertility and testosterone production can be maintained by the one remain soldier, and a prosthetic can be inserted so that he has someone to talk to.
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