Movember 2018: It’s NOT just a lump! The 4 red-flag warning signs of testicular cancer you need to know
BOYS this Movember it's time to take care of your health - and that means checking your downstairs area for any lumps of bumps.
Chances are you blokes think you're invincible, too manly and strong to get ill, let alone be diagnosed with cancer.
But when it comes to testicular cancer you're better off being safe than sorry... not only could it cost you your balls, but it could cost your life.
Men, and young ones at that, are dying across the world.
All because they refuse to learn the signs to look out for and regularly check their nuts.
When you hear the C word it's all too easy to assume it's a disease that happens to other, older, men
But the facts speak for themselves.
Almost half of the men in the UK diagnosed with testicular cancer every year are under the age of 35, according to the .
Mo Bro, and testicular cancer expert, Ben Bowers has firsthand experience of the disease, having lost both balls to the disease.
He told The Sun Online it's vital every man gets checking their nuts on a regular basis, to stop men dying needlessly.
"Guys out there need to know the risks, and need to get to know their nuts," he said.
"Check them regularly and if there's anything odd down there get it checked by a doctor."
Ben is a prime example of how testicular cancer is a young man's disease - being diagnosed at just 26.
But he is also a shining example of how it is one of the cancers that can actually be beaten if it's caught early enough.
And the best way to catch the disease in its earliest - and most treatable stages - is for all men regardless of their age to check their balls on a regular basis for the key signs of the disease.
It takes a matter of minutes, but it could save your life, so here's what to watch out for...
THE RED FLAG WARNING SIGNS
1. A lump or swelling in the testicle
This is the most common symptom. The lump could be as small as a pea, but is often a lot larger.
You may also notice a difference between one testicle and the other.
Gently feel each testicle individually to check for lumps.
If you do find a lump, don’t panic. Only four per cent are actually cancerous – but it’s still definitely worth getting checked out.
2. A heavy scrotum
It’s normal for one testicle to be slightly larger or hanging lower than the other.
But a noticeable change in size or weight on one side may indicate that something is wrong.
Doctors can do a simple test where they shine a light at your testicle.
This light will shine straight through a liquid-filled cyst, but would be blocked by cancer – which is a solid lump.
3. A sharp pain in the testicle or scrotum
Testicular cancer is not usually painful, but a sharp pain in your balls is the first indicator for one in five patients.
4. Changes in shape or texture
This makes it especially important to check yourself over regularly.
OTHER SYMPTOMS
5. If the cancer has spread to lymph glands in other parts of the body, you may develop
- Backache
- A dull ache in the lower tummy
- Lumps in the collar bone or neck.
6. If the cancer has spread to the lungs
- A cough
- Difficulty breathing.
MORE ON MEN's HEALTH
7. Cancer can produce hormones, leading to...
- Tender or swollen breasts.
8. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the centre of your chest, between the lungs...
- Difficulty swallowing
- A swelling in your chest.
Luckily the cancer is still usually treatable, even if it has spread.
Only two per cent of affected men don't survive the first five years after diagnosis.
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