Less than one in three blokes check their balls for cancer, so do YOU know the 8 signs to feel for?
BLOKES would rather do the ironing than check their balls for lumps and bumps.
A charity found less than a third of fellas examine their baubles monthly for signs of cancer – around the same number that test their car tyre pressure.
Men were twice as likely to do household chores or wash the bed sheets than inspect their nuts.
They even prefer to clean the car.
The findings come from a poll of 1,000 blokes by male cancer charity Orchid.
Around 2,300 men a year are diagnosed with testicular cancer, mostly under the age of 45.
Nearly all victims are cured, with 98 per cent surviving at least five years.
Common symptoms of the disease include a lump or swelling, a heavy scrotum, or discomfort and pain.
MOST READ IN HEALTH
Rob Cornes, Orchid male cancer information nurse specialist, said: “Getting an early diagnosis is vital – if caught early, testicular cancer can be 98 per cent curable.
“It is crucial that men are familiar with the signs and symptoms and feel comfortable seeking professional advice if they have any concerns or worrying symptoms.”
The survey also reveals 49 per cent of men get their hair cut monthly, compared to 29 per cent who check their balls.
It also shows a quarter groom down below, 13 per cent pluck their eyebrows, and four per cent use fake tan or make-up.
HOW TO CHECK YOUR BALLS
- Check the entire surface of each testicle separately.
- Roll each testicle between the thumb and forefinger to check it is free of lumps or bumps. Do not squeeze.
- Get to know your balls, and check there are no changes in their size or texture.
- Encourage your partner to have a go
Male cancer charity, Orchid, warned less than one in three guys check for the signs of testicular cancer. Dr Peter Branney, a men’s health psychologist at Leeds Beckett University, urged blokes to tackle their tackle regularly.
He said: “We know that around twice as many men know they should check themselves as actually do it, so the key is getting men into the habit of undertaking this easy-to-do check.
“Following the habit-forming principles of reminder, routine and reward will make it easier for even more men to build a testicle check into their regular monthly routine, hopefully, saving lives.”
Half the risk of developing testicular cancer is down to faulty genes.
Scientists claim testing blokes for rogue DNA could be a good way of identifying those at highest risk.
WHAT ARE THE RED FLAG WARNING SIGNS?
1. A lump or swelling in the testicle
This is the most common symptom. The lump could be as small as a pea, but is often a lot larger.
You may also notice a difference between one testicle and the other.
Gently feel each testicle individually to check for lumps.
If you do find a lump, don’t panic. Only four per cent are actually cancerous – but it’s still definitely worth getting checked out.
2. A heavy scrotum
It’s normal for one testicle to be slightly larger or hanging lower than the other.
But a noticeable change in size or weight on one side may indicate that something is wrong.
Doctors can do a simple test where they shine a light at your testicle.
This light will shine straight through a liquid-filled cyst, but would be blocked by cancer – which is a solid lump.
3. A sharp pain in the testicle or scrotum
Testicular cancer is not usually painful, but this is the first indicator for 20 per cent of patients.
4. Changes in shape or texture
This makes it especially important to check yourself over regularly.
OTHER SYMPTOMS
5. If the cancer has spread to lymph glands in other parts of the body, you may develop
- Backache
- A dull ache in the lower tummy
- Lumps in the collar bone or neck.
6. If the cancer has spread to the lungs
- A cough
- Difficulty breathing.
7. Cancer can produce hormones, leading to...
- Tender or swollen breasts.
8. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the centre of your chest, between the lungs...
- Difficulty swallowing
- A swelling in your chest.
Luckily the cancer is still usually treatable, even if it has spread.
Only two per cent of affected men don't survive the first five years after diagnosis.
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