< Back to Menu

Testicular Self-Examination

Testicular cancer is highly curable if detected early. Adult men should conduct a simple testicular self-examination monthly until the age of 60.

A simple self-examination that can be done by men is periodic examination of the testicles. Normally, there is a small mass above the testicles called the epididymis, and it is perfectly normal. If a lump is felt in the testis itself, this is not considered normal and should be checked by a physician in order to make a decision about its significance.

Tumors in the testicles occur infrequently and are almost always detected by the patient. The earlier they are found and treated, the better. The cure rate for testicular cancer is very high. If found early, it is over 95%. Most of the approximately 5,000 testicular tumors diagnosed each year occur before age 40, but about one-forth of these tumors occur after age 40. Consequently, Healthful Life recommends monthly self-examinations until the age of 60.