During this series called, One Man’s Voice… in the Noise, I have written about the issues that many men face. My focus this month of “Movember” has been about men’s health, specifically, Male Mental Health and Suicide Awareness, Prostate Cancer, and now, this last post on Testicular Cancer, which is the most common cancer among younger men.
For more on each of these topics, check out the article, The Real Face of Men’s Health by Dr. Zac Seidler. Dr Seilder’s full downloadable report of the same name was produced by the Movember Foundation, which states that the “real face” of men’s health is not only men’s faces but also those of the loved ones, communities, and systems around them. As I wrote in my opening post for the month, Why Movember Matters to Everyone, men’s health issues will impact everyone, so “we all have skin in this game.”
Testicular Cancer: The Basics & Why It Matters
According to Movember, testicular cancer can occur at any age but is the most common cancer among American men aged 15–39. Testicular cancer involves the uncontrolled growth of cells in the testicles, often forming a painless lump or swelling. Other symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin, and pain or tenderness in a testicle or the scrotum.
Early detection is crucial because testicular cancer has a high survival rate when found early. Understanding the symptoms, knowing the risk factors (such as an undescended testicle or family history), and the importance of regular self-exams, helps for early detection.
Although survival rates are remarkably high—exceeding 95% in many cases—the journey doesn’t always end with a clean bill of health. There can be serious long-term impacts, such as secondary cancers or fertility issues. Enduring side effects of testicular cancer treatment, especially for young men, can also include sexual dysfunction and physical issues like peripheral neuropathy and hearing loss. Psychosocial challenges such as anxiety, depression, body image concerns, and difficulties in relationships and social life, can also significantly impact your longer-term quality of life.
“Know Thy Nuts”
Movember has a provocative campaign called “Know Thy Nuts” that provides things you can do to help catch testicular cancer early:
- Perform regular self-exams: Monthly testicular self-exams are important. Notice any changes like a new lump, swelling, or other abnormality.
- See a doctor immediately: If you find any changes, see a doctor immediately for an examination, which will likely include a scrotal ultrasound. Don’t wait or assume a lack of pain means it’s not a problem.
- Know your risk factors: Be aware of risk factors like a personal or family history of testicular cancer, or a history of undescended testicles.
- Live a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and eating a balanced diet can contribute to overall well-being.
- Use protective gear: Use protective gear during sports or other activities to reduce the risk of injury to the testicles.
The campaign also includes a page called Nuts and Bolts that contains several tools to help us confidently handle the journey of testicular cancer from diagnosis to treatment to life afterward.
Get Support from your Buddies
Just like our mental and emotional health, or prostate cancer, you can support your friend who is battling testicular cancer in a variety of ways.
- Provide practical assistance – Offer rides to appointments, preparing meals, or handling chores. Ask if they want you to take notes during their doctor’s visits to help them keep track of medical information and instructions. Do their grocery shopping, laundry, or other household chores to lighten their load. Cook and bring them meals, but ensure they can tolerate the food and avoid brining items they need to avoid.
- Provide emotional support – Practice good listening skills and supportive prayer. Be a shoulder to cry on or simply listen if they want to talk. Avoid giving advice unless they specifically ask for it. Acknowledge their feelings. Let them know you understand that the situation is difficult and validate their emotions, such as anger or fear. Be a source of normalcy. Continue to engage in your usual activities and talk about everyday life to help them feel less isolated and treated solely as a patient. Respect their privacy. Don’t pry if they don’t want to talk about their cancer. A simple “I’m thinking of you” is enough.
- Encourage their overall well-being – Join them for light exercise like short walks or stretching, which can help manage fatigue. Help them find enjoyment by encouraging hobbies they can do at their own pace. Do fun activities to help them take their mind off their illness for a while. Provide comfort items such as snacks for long appointment days, a cozy blanket, or other small items to make them more comfortable in the hospital or at home. Include their loved ones since caregivers are also affected. Offer support to them as well, such as taking them out to lunch or giving them a break.
Final Thoughts on Men’s Health
Despite all of the messages, marketing, fear-mongering, and misinformation about men’s health, it’s important to remember to get regular check-ups. Don’t think you are being more “manly” by avoiding the symptoms. See your doctor regularly. Exercise. Eat well. Take your medications. Maintain yourself physically, mentally, and socially because each is critical to how you show up as a man.
That’s my voice in the noise for this week. Feel free to comment or share this post with others. Thanks for reading along and sharing this important information.
