Nathan Kelleher – Community Development Worker
April marks Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. In Ireland, approximately 170 people get diagnosed with testicular cancer every year. It is the most common cancer for people with testes aged 15-44 according to the Irish Cancer Society. While it is the most common cancer for this group, the good news is it is highly treatable, especially when caught early.
What is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer occurs when cancerous cells form in one or both testicles. These cells change and grow, forming into a tumour or mass. These cells may then get into the blood stream and lymph system, causing tumours to grow in other parts of the body.
What to look out for?
Testicular cancer is most often discovered by identifying a lump on either testicle. This lump does not have to be painful to be cancerous. However, this is not the only warning sign of testicular cancer. Other symptoms of testicular cancer include;
- heaviness in the scrotum (aka ball sack)
- an ache in the lower belly or groin
- sudden swelling in the scrotum
- general pain or discomfort in the testes/scrotum
- enlargement/tenderness of the breast tissue
- back pain
If you do experience any of these symptoms, don’t panic! It is not a definite cancer diagnosis, but it is best practice to go to your doctor and make sure everything is working as it should.
Treatment
Irish Cancer Society report that the cure rate for testicular cancer is very high, and the earlier it’s caught the better your odds are at beating it. But even when testicular cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it can still be cured.
Orchidectomy: This refers to the surgery that removes the affected testicle. Almost everyone diagnosed with testicular cancer goes through this procedure. This surgery can often happen very quickly after initial diagnosis. Following the removal of the testicle, a prosthesis can be placed in the scrotum, which assists with providing the usual balance and aesthetic that you have been used to all your life. Prostheses are silicone implants that can be inflated with salt water. The prosthesis can be put in during the same surgery of the removal or at a later date.
While it may be a worry, there is no reason that an orchidectomy will have to mean the end of your sex life. Following the removal of a testicle, most people will still be able to have an erection and orgasm, and it should not effect fertility. If one is experiencing low testosterone following the removal of one (it is rare in cases of one testicle being removed) or both testicles, their doctor can prescribe testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). After orchidectomy you will have tests to monitor your condition for a number of years. For example, physical examinations, bloods tests, CT scans and X-rays.
While you may not need to do any treatment following an orchidectomy, it’s possible you might need to continue the fight.
Personal Story
During lockdown in August 2020, Gay Project Chairperson Stephen Spillane noticed a lump on his right testicle. Alarmed, he turned to his partner, a nurse, who urged him to call his doctor. Like all good medical professionals, Stephen’s partner knew a symptom like this had to be seen to as soon as possible. Stephen got straight on the case, was seen early and got diagnosedwith testicular cancer.
“I have a vivid memory of this. The doctor said ‘yeah that is a cancerous lump,’ and I got very upset. I could tell he wanted to put a hand out as a reassuring thing to do, but he couldn’t due to covid.”
Stephen moved quickly through the system: ultrasound, consultant, surgery. Within a week, his testicle was removed. He considers himself one of the lucky ones:
“I didn’t have to go through chemo or anything like that and not everyone is that lucky,” he reflects.
Stephen kept up his signature sense of humour throughout his journey, and today is in remission and has received a prosthetic replacement.
Now 39, he has witnessed some positive outcomes form his experience, with his cousins and friends, revealing that they are checking themselves more regularly now.
“A cousin of mine did actually find something worrying but thankfully not cancer, but if that hadn’t happened to me he wouldn’t have caught it,” he says.
Takeaway
Testicular cancer is a very treatable disease. The HSE puts the cure rate at over 90%. If you notice that you’re experiencing any of the warning signs, such as a lump on the testicle or tenderness of the breast, there should be no need to worry as long as you get it checked. As with any cancer, the earlier it is detected the better chance you have at curing it.
Everyone with testes should be checking regularly to get familiar with their body, and if you notice a change get it checked.
For more information, such as how to conduct a self examination, visit:
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