We’re almost at the end of April, folks. But, before we leave the month behind, it’s time to get nuts about our nuts … seriously.
No, we’re not talking about almonds or cashews here. We’re talking about testicles in honor of Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. Every April, we come together for TCAM as a community to spread awareness and education about testicular cancer.
In honor of this crucial month of awareness, Sexual + Being wanted to dive deep into all things related to testicular cancer: the disease itself, those at risk, testing and treatment, and the toxic masculinity that can keep some men from going to their doctor. Let’s get into it.
What is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer occurs when cells in the testicle grow to form a tumor. More than 90 percent of testicular cancers begin in the germ cells, which produce sperm, while others from Leydig cells (ones that produce testosterone) and Sertoli cells (ones that support normal sperm growth).
Per the American Associate of Cancer Research, testicular cancer most often develops in young and middle-aged men, and it is the most common form of cancer in 20- to 35-year-old men/teste-having persons. It’s pretty rare and is typically very treatable.
Testicular self-exams may help you catch problems early when treatment is easier.
Who can get testicular cancer?
As will likely be unsurprising, testicular cancer can impact any individuals with testes: cisgender men, transgender women, non-binary folks, and other individuals who were assigned male at birth (AMAB).
While this cancer does not discriminate against those who develop it, there are a few groups who are at most risk: 1) Teste-having people with an immediate family member who had it, 2) folks with a history of undescended testes, or 3) those with abnormal cells — called germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) — in the testicle. Again, however, that does not preclude other individuals from getting it.
What does testing look like?
It’s important to develop good healthcare habits (both related and unrelated to your testicles). A crucial part of habit to develop is consistency in testing and self-care — fellas, did you read that last bit? Don’t let your ego or “pride” get in the way of your health.
Understanding your body — physically and mentally — is the first step here. Know yourself in every way you can, so you are better able to notice when things are off. For this specific cancer, we mean quite intimately knowing your testicles so you can notice any masses or changes.
Do not drive yourself mad here, however. Checking in a very few months should be enough and that process can begin at home. The best time to give yourself a testicular exam would be after your shower.
Here’s how: Cup your scrotum, then slowly and gently roll your fingers over your testes to ensure a full examination. If you feel something, do not panic. Instead, phone your professional and take it from there. Better safe than sorry.
What does treatment look like?
If you are diagnosed with testicular cancer, you will be faced with several treatment options that will be tailored to your body and its experience with the disease itself.
As the National Cancer Institute notes, the treatment may include surgery to remove the impacted testicle, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of the three to eradicate the disease. As a result of your cancer, some experience infertility following their treatment.
But, again, it’s important to not let this fear stop you from taking care of yourself. That last part is not something men have a tendency to do consistently.
In 2019, Cleveland Clinic’s MENtion It Campaign found some startling statistics related to men and their visits (or lack thereof) to their doctors. Nearly two-thirds of respondents said they avoid going to the doctor as long as possible, a whopping 72 percent said they would rather be doing household chores (think cleaning toilets) than going to the doctor, and 37 percent said they withhold information from their doctors.
So, yeah, get your butts to the doctor. Pronto.
What can I do right now?
Now that we’ve covered the ins and outs of testicular cancer, you are probably wondering what you can do now to check in with your body. There are several things you can do today.
- Spread awareness and resources | Be unafraid to share what you’ve learned here with those in your lives who may be affected. Sometimes it is a hard conversation to have but it’s all worth it if even one person gets the treatment they need.
- Cop a feel | Yep, you read that correctly. Hop in a hot or warm shower, then examine yourself and your testes. Coping a feel could literally save your life.
- Check-in with your doctor | If you have more questions, reach out to your primary medical professional for more answers. They will be happy to discuss your concerns … and even happier to set you up with your next physical or exam.
- Share this article with teste-having folks in your life | Just hit copy on this URL and get to sharing it in your group chats, on social, via email, carrier pigeon, whatever! Just share it far and wide.
Much like life, be sure to grab April by the balls in commemoration of Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. Don’t let any toxic masculine tendencies or egotistical concerns keep you from checking in with your health regularly. It only takes one visit to save a life.
For more health-related information, visit sexualbeing.org.
Ryan Carey-Mahoney
Ryan Carey-Mahoney is a writer and LGBTQ advocate based in Washington, D.C. A journalist at heart, he's worked in digital strategy for over five years and has yet to turn down an opportunity to proofread. Talk to him on social media (@thegoodcarmah) about bi+ visibility, politics, and Beyoncé.
