Each April, Testicular Cancer Awareness Month shines a light on a disease that is both highly treatable and deeply under-discussed: testicular cancer. While it's one of the less common cancers overall (affecting about 1 in 250 men), the average age of diagnosis is quite young, around 33 years old. This younger average age means that individuals need to start taking proactive steps sooner than they might think. Testicular Cancer Awareness Month aims to help educate, raise awareness, and encourage you to take action with early detection and advocacy. Remember, raising awareness can save lives, as it helps encourage self-exams, promote early diagnosis, and break the stigma around men’s health conversations.
What Is Testicular Cancer?
Testicular cancer is a growth of cells in the testicles (or testes), which are located inside the scrotum. The testicles make sperm and testosterone and are key parts of the male reproductive system. When testicular cancer occurs, it typically develops in the germ cells, which are responsible for producing sperm. It can happen in either one or both testicles. There are a few different types of testicular cancer, which are often differentiated between seminomas and non-seminomas.
Seminoma testicular cancers are often less aggressive, grow slowly, and can occur regardless of age. They're more sensitive to radiation and typically respond better to treatment.
Nonseminomas tend to occur earlier in men, are more aggressive, and spread quickly. This can lead to metastatic testicular cancer, which means that cancerous cells have spread to other places such as the lymph nodes, lungs, brain, or bones.
Although testicular cancer is rare compared to other cancers, it has a high survival rate, especially when caught early.
Why Awareness Matters
Despite being highly treatable, testicular cancer often goes undiagnosed until later stages simply because of a lack of awareness or a degree of shame. Men may feel embarrassed to talk about symptoms or may not be familiar with how to do a self-exam. When a lump is found, many men wait five or more months before saying anything to anyone. This can put off a testicular cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment, increasing the risk for a more serious prognosis.
This month's goal is to raise awareness and support for the fight against testicular cancer. Specifically, awareness campaigns during April aim to:
- Educate men on the importance of monthly self-exams
- Reduce stigma around discussing testicular health
- Promote early detection and treatment
- Highlight survivorship stories and support networks
In 2025, doctors expect a diagnosis of around 9,720 new cases. You can find out more information at the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation.
Signs and Symptoms
One of the most important aspects of spreading awareness is to ensure that individuals understand the signs and symptoms that occur if they develop testicular cancer. The earlier these symptoms are found, the better the long-term prognosis. Some of the most common warning signs of testicular cancer include:
- A painless lump or swelling in either testicle
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
- Sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
- Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts (rare but possible)
If any of these symptoms are present, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early detection drastically increases the chances of a cure.
Risk Factors
Some risk factors can increase the risk of an individual being diagnosed with testicular cancer in their lifetime. Some of the most notable risk factors include:
- Age: Men between 15 and 44 years are most affected by testicular cancer
- Family history: Having a father or brother with testicular cancer increases your risk
- Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism): Even if it was corrected surgically
- Previous testicular cancer: Higher chance of developing it again
- Race and ethnicity: More common in white men than in Black or Asian men
If you have one or more of these risk factors, talk to your doctor about how you can take more proactive measures to improve your overall health.
The Importance of Early Detection
While any cancer diagnosis can be scary, early-stage testicular cancer has a survival rate of over 95%, often requiring less aggressive treatment. Although it's the most common form of cancer in young and middle-aged men ages 20-35, it's highly treatable. That's why monthly testicular self-exams (TSEs) are encouraged for all men, especially those at higher risk.
How to Perform a Testicular Self-Exam
Even if you're not likely to develop it, early detection of testicular cancer saves lives. Therefore, this month especially, we encourage everyone to perform a self-test. To do this, just follow these simple steps!
- Best done after a warm shower when the scrotal skin is relaxed.
- Stand in front of a mirror and look for any visible swelling.
- Gently roll each testicle between the thumb and fingers.
- Check for lumps, swelling, or changes in size or shape.
- Remember, it’s normal for one testicle to be slightly larger or hang lower than the other.
If something feels unusual, don’t wait—see a healthcare provider.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If your doctor suspects testicular cancer, diagnosis often begins with an ultrasound to get a clear image of the testicles. Blood tests may also be used to detect tumor markers, followed by CT scans to determine if the cancer has spread. If you have any questions or concerns during the diagnostic period, don't hesitate to ask.
When a diagnosis is made, it can occur in one of four different stages:
- Stage 0: This is also called germ cell neoplasia in situ and marks abnormal cells, usually localized in the seminiferous tubules.
- Stage I: This stage means that the cancer is isolated within the testicle and has not spread to other body parts.
- Stage II: In this stage, the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes in the abdomen, pelvis, or neck. However, cancer has not likely spread to other body parts yet.
- Stage III: This stage means that the cancer has spread beyond the lymph nodes to other organs, such as the lungs, liver, or brain. During this stage, cancer can be detected anywhere in the body, and blood tests will indicate tumor markers.
Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, treatment options can include:
- Surgery (orchiectomy) to remove the affected testicle
- Radiation therapy, which is particularly effective for seminomas
- Chemotherapy, often used for nonseminomas or advanced cases
- Surveillance, or active monitoring, for early-stage cancers
Most men respond well to treatment and can return to their regular lives afterward. Fertility preservation, such as sperm banking, may be discussed before treatment for those who wish to have children in the future.
How to Get Involved in Testicular Cancer Awareness Month
Everyone can play a role in spreading awareness and saving lives. Here’s how you can support Testicular Cancer Awareness Month:
- Wear light blue, the awareness color for testicular cancer
- Share educational resources on social media
- Encourage regular self-exams among friends, family, and colleagues
- Donate to organizations like the Testicular Cancer Foundation or Movember
- Host or attend awareness events at schools, gyms, or workplaces
Even simple conversations can break down barriers and normalize discussions about men’s health. You can find more ways to support the fight against testicular cancer here.
Testicular Cancer Awareness Month isn't just about raising awareness—it's about empowering men to take control of their health. With regular self-checks and open conversations, we can catch this cancer early and save lives. Whether you're a survivor, supporter, or someone learning about testicular cancer for the first time, your voice and actions matter.
Byram Healthcare is a proud supporter of Testicular Cancer Awareness Month and provides access to urology care solutions for all your needs. Browse our urology product catalog or contact us for more information.
