Get Smart About Testicular Cancer

Published by the American Cancer Society

• Cancer of the testicle is very rare, affecting only out of every 10,000 American men aged 15-35. Still, it is the most common cancer found in men in this age group.
• lf you find that one of your testicles is much larger or firmer than the other, or if you find a lump, whether painful or not, don't panic. The problem is usually not cancer, but you II need to see your doctor to make sure.
• Luckily, even if it is testicular cancer, in most cases it can be cured. There are often no long-term effects on sexual function or on future ability to father children.
• The cause of testicular cancer is not well understood. The most important known risk factor for testicular cancer is a history of one of your testicles not moving into your scrotum properly before you were of school age. However, most men who develop testicular cancer do not have this risk factor.
• lgnoring any changes in your testicles or not seeing a doctor or nurse right away could make whatever problem you may have more difficult to treat successfully.

So, if one of your testicles seems much larger or harder to you than the other one, or if you find a lump, get it checked out by a doctor.

General Cancer Facts for Young Men

• Only one in 10,000 American men will die of cancer before the age of 40. The leading causes of death in young American men are car accidents, violence, and AIDS.
• However, half of all American men will eventually develop some type of cancer in their entire lifetime, and one-quarter will die from some form of cancer.
• Most adult cancers can be prevented by avoiding tobacco, by eating more fruits and vegetables and less fat, and by being more physically active.

The most important things a young man can do to avoid cancer later on are to not use tobacco and live a healthy lifestyle.

For more information call the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345, or visit our web site at www.cancer.org