With about 1,200 cases of testicular cancer diagnosed each year in Canada, it has become the most common form of cancer in young men in the county. If you or someone close to you has been recently diagnosed with testicular cancer, it’s important to learn and understand all of the facts surrounding the cancer. Coping with such a diagnosis can be difficult, but coming to an understanding is the first and most important step to beating it. On the other hand, if you have yet to be personally affected by the disease, knowledge will be your greatest weapon of defense. Early detection significantly increases the survival rate within patients, so it is time to get familiar!
Testicular cancer can be an extremely manageable disease. Keep reading for information regarding what you need to look out for, the impact of treatment, and the effect on everyday life.
Warning signs
Similar to most forms of cancer, early detection of testicular cancer can be instrumental to survival. While the survival rate for testicular cancer is usually pretty high (~96% when treated rapidly), men need to be familiar with the signs and symptoms so they are able to catch the cancer in the early stages. Most testicular cancer discoveries happened through self examinations, or simply by accident. The warning signs tend to be pretty mild and is commonly ignored.
Don’t Avoid The Doctor
It is extremely common for men to delay seeking a medical opinion when they begin noticing symptoms. Given the combination of mild signs, and the fear of a cancer diagnosis, it is typical for men to chalk up their symptoms to a common abnormality and hope they resolve on their own. It becomes important to remind yourself (or the men in your life) to seek immediate medical attention, even if the visit is just to confirm you’re cancer-free. Whether you’re gaining peace of mind, or if you do happen to receive the unfortunate diagnosis, you will have time to digest the news, and fight against it!
Self-Examination
Self examinations should be conducted monthly following a warm shower or bath. Carefully examine both testicles to feel for irregularities on the surface or any risen lumps. To help optimize your examinations, there are mobile apps to easily assist you. Complete with facts every man should know, and the steps on how to correctly conduct a testicular self exam, the Ball Checker mobile app is a must-download.
Impact of treatment
Whether your treatment option is orchiectomy (testical removal), chemotherapy, or some combination of both, once you’ve beat the cancer, you may wonder what impact all of this has on your sexual health. It is important to discuss risk factors with your doctor before starting treatments to be fully prepared.
Sex Drive
A decrease in libido is completely normal post treatment, but is not typically long-lasting. Even the removal of a testical should not put permanent damage on future arousal. While most patients enjoy high sexual satisfaction after treatment, it is possible to see some damage to nerves and arteries, making it difficult for some men to maintain an erection. “If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction, speak with your doctor about treatment options.
Fertility
Certain forms of chemotherapy can temporarily damage sperm, and combined with testicle removal, these treatments can cause infertility. Luckily, sperm can be preserved. It is recommended to preserve your healthy sperm before going through treatment, so that if you do experience impotence you are prepared.
If you find yourself face to face with a testicular cancer diagnosis, it is important to never give up. It may be a tough road ahead, but with your support system by your side you will have the power to defeat this disease.
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