Testicular cancer – be aware of the symptoms and how to check yourself

As part of Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, we're reminding people of the signs and symptoms and how to carry out a self-check.

Typical symptoms are a painless swelling or lump in one of the testicles, or any change in shape or texture of the testicles. The swelling or lump can be about the size of a pea but may be larger.

Most lumps or swellings in the scrotum are not in the testicle and are not a sign of cancer, but they should never be ignored.

Testicular cancer can also cause other symptoms, including:

• an increase in the firmness of a testicle
• a difference in appearance between one testicle and the other
• a dull ache or sharp pain in your testicles or scrotum, which may come and go
• a feeling of heaviness in your scrotum.

You should see a GP if you notice a swelling, lump or any other change in one of your testicles.

Lumps within the scrotum can have many different causes, and testicular cancer is rare.

Your GP will examine you and if they think the lump is in your testicle, they may consider cancer as a possible cause.

If you do have testicular cancer, the sooner treatment begins, the greater the likelihood that you'll be completely cured.

If you do not feel comfortable visiting a GP, you can go to your local sexual health clinic, where a healthcare professional will be able to examine you.

For information about how to carry out a self-check, click here mac16321-e04-how-to-check-your-balls-testicles-er-pdf (macmillan.org.uk)