April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month
The Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation notes the cancer is not common (about 1 in 270 men will develop testicular cancer). The risk of dying from testicular cancer is low (about 1 in 5,000). However, it is projected that approximately 440 deaths will occur in 2021. [1]
If detected early, testicular cancer is more than 95% curable. Still, it leads to cancer in men ages 15 to 44 (and can strike at any age).
More men will die of testicular cancer in the 15-to-44 age group than women will of breast cancer. In fact, a male is diagnosed with testicular cancer every hour, and approximately 9,470 new cases will occur in 2021 in the United States.
The National Cancer Institute says health history can affect the risk of testicular cancer. Increased risk factors include: [2]
- An undescended testicle.
- Abnormal development of the testicles.
- Personal history of testicular cancer.
- Family history of testicular cancer.
- Caucasian race.
The National Foundation for Cancer Research notes the key to early detection of testicular cancer is self-examination, which takes a few minutes each month: [3]
- Perform a self-exam during or after a shower.
- With the thumb on top, place an index and middle finger under the testicle.
- Roll the testicle between the fingers.
- Feel for changes: swelling, color, or shape.
- If any concerning changes are identified, call a doctor.
Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer:
- Discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum.
- Painless lump or swelling in either testicle.
- Change in how the testicle feels.
- Dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin.
- Sudden build-up of fluid in the scrotum.
If you notice changes to a testicle, talk with your doctor. Together, you can determine the cause of the problem, diagnosis the issue, and decide upon a treatment regimen.
There are several types of standard treatment for testicular cancer:
Surveillance – closely following a patient’s condition without giving any treatment unless there are changes in regularly scheduled test results.
Surgery – removal of a testicle, some lymph nodes, and tumors that have spread to other places in the body.
Radiation – high-energy x-rays are used to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy – this treatment uses drugs to stop cancer cells from growing.
High-dose chemo with stem cell transplant – stem cells (immature blood cells) are removed from the patient’s blood or bone marrow and frozen. After chemotherapy, the cells are thawed and injected into the patient to restore the body’s blood cells.
If you have concerns about testicular cancer or have been diagnosed and treated, talk with your doctor. Be honest about your fears. Your doctor will give you the facts.
Once a treatment plan has been determined, you may have concerns regarding paying for the treatment. If so, LifeGuide Partners may have a practical solution that you have overlooked: a life insurance policy.
Paying for life-saving treatment should not be an additional health problem. The mental and physical toll that worry can inflict on a patient can be detrimental to ongoing treatment.
Reach out to the experts at LifeGuide Partners for help navigating the financial needs you require to thrive after cancer treatment.
Citations:
[1] Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation. https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/
[2] Testicular Cancer Treatment (PDQ) – Patient Version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/testicular/patient/testicular-treatment-pdq
[3] Testicular Cancer Awareness Month: Self Examination Saves Lives. https://www.nfcr.org/blog/testicular-cancer-awareness-month-self-examination-saves-lives