Discuss the prevalence of testicular cancer and three important issues related to this form of cancer. Explain the four steps in conducting a testicular self-examination

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Responses should consider:
- Testicular cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35; approximately 9,000 new cases were identified in the U.S. in 2013.
- The incidence of testicular cancer worldwide has increased more than 50% since 1970s.
- The average age at which it is diagnosed has been decreasing from 30 to under 25 years of age.
- There's a greater incidence of testicular cancer among men who work in certain professions (agricultural workers, miners, firefighters, and utility workers).
- This has led some researchers to suspect that exposure to environmental toxins may play an important role.
- Today, the average cure rate for testicular cancer is 90%, with a much greater success rate (nearly 99%) when the disease is diagnosed early.

Testicular self-examination:
1. Stand in front of a mirror; check for swelling on the scrotum skin.
2. Examine each testicle with both hands. Place the index and middle fingers under the testicle with the thumbs placed on top, and roll the testicle gently between the thumbs and fingers.
3. Find the epididymis. Once one becomes familiar with this structure, it is less likely to be mistaken for a suspicious lump. Cancerous lumps are usually found on the sides of the testicle, but can also show up on the front or at the bottom.
4. If you find a lump, see a doctor right away; only a physician can make a positive diagnosis.