Men in their 20s and 30s urged to check for early cancer signs after a shower
A recent survey says many adults are unaware of the fact that the cancer is most prevalent among younger men
Conducting a swift examination after your shower could be crucial in protecting against a cancer that's alarmingly common among men in their 20s and 30s. The step could lead to the early detection of a condition that impacts thousands in the UK annually.
A recent study has highlighted a worrying lack of knowledge about the prevalence of testicular cancer in younger men. In the US, for instance, research by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Centre revealed that only 13 per cent of adults in America were able to correctly identify testicular cancer as a condition primarily affecting men under 40.
Shawn Dason, a urologic oncologist at the centre, noted that this type of cancer is most frequently diagnosed in men between 20 and 40 years old. He said: "In my experience, a lot of men are surprised that testicular cancer is most common among young men.
"It's something you're just not expecting in your twenties or thirties. A lot of young men's focus might be on developing their career, their day-to-day life. That's a very different track of mind than perhaps your health."
From the 1,008 individuals surveyed, 63 per cent correctly believed that testicular cancer is often curable if caught early, while just over half, at 54 per cent, recognised the significance of monthly self-checks, reports Surrey Live. Mr Dason said: "We are really fortunate in testicular cancer that the vast majority of patients are diagnosed at an early stage.
"That means the vast majority of patients are actually diagnosed before the cancer has had an opportunity to spread to other parts of the body." He added: Testicular cancer does not typically come with painful symptoms. That's why routine self-exams are so important to detect any lumps or changes to the testicle. If you feel something out of the ordinary, like a lump or bump, or if the testicle changes in size, call your doctor."
Carrying out a self-examination
Cancer Research UK advises that occasionally checking and feeling your testicles can be useful, and many find it simpler during or after a warm bath or shower. You should assess your testicles for their size and weight, and look for any unusual lumps or swellings.
In case you observe any of the following signs, getting in touch with your GP is advised:
The charity said: "Your symptoms are unlikely to be cancer but it's important to get them checked by a doctor."
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