Testicular cancer

Men's Health Contents

Luckily cancer of the testicle is rare. But it tends to affect younger men and it's on the increase.

The good news is that the cure rate is over 90% if it's treated early, so it's best to get help if you suspect something is wrong.

Examine your testicles (balls) once a month, the best time is after a bath or shower as this relaxes the scrotum (skin around the testicles) so that it is easier to feel them.
Feel each ball individually. They should be soft and oval in shape. You can feel a soft tube attached to the back and top of each ball, this is the epididymis that carries the sperm to the penis.
Look out for changes in the size or weight of the balls, or any lumps. One may have been larger than the other since you were born but a change is important.
If you can only find one testicle come and see us straight away. It is possible for a testicle to be undescended, that is, it stays in the abdomen where it developed before birth. An undescended testicle is more at risk of becoming cancerous, and what's more you wouldn't know until it was too late.
See us about any dull ache in the groin, testicles or lower back.

For more information on how to check yourself we have leaflets at the surgery or have a look at the Royal Marsden's website.

0844 477 3088 Fax 0844 477 3089

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