April 07, 2018
Health & Wellbeing
By MoRunning
This April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men, so getting to know what’s normal for your nuts is important. We need to remind men to Know Thy Nuts, and to take action if something doesn’t feel right. 70% of men either never have or don’t regularly check themselves. If caught early and action is taken when something doesn’t feel right, the chances of survival are dramatically increased. For further information about testicular cancer visit the Movember website
We also have some great tools we’d like for you to share far and wide to raise awareness and get guys to check themselves. Click here to access them where you will find:
- Know Thy Nuts video. An informative, fun video to share with your networks
- Campaign imagery. A simple guide on how to check your nuts, and what to do if you notice any changes to share with the men in your life
- A simple guide to checking your nuts
So, know your nuts. It’s that simple.
The best thing you can do for your testicles is give them a bit of a feel each month or so, and if something doesn’t seem right, head to the doctor.
Get the lowdown. Our guide to checking your nuts.
Get steamy. A warm shower will put your nuts in the mood. 
Roll one nut between thumb and fingers to get to know what’s normal. 
Repeat with the other nut.
If you notice a change in size or shape, a lump that wasn’t there before, or if they become painful to touch, see a doctor.
Don’t panic, but do get it checked out.
Download our hands-on guide to getting friendly with your testes
Who’s at risk?
Almost half (47%) of men diagnosed with testicular cancer in the UK each year are aged under 35.
Men with undescended testes at birth, or who have a family history, like a father or brother who has had testicular cancer, are at an increased risk. And if you’ve had testicular cancer before, there’s also a heightened risk it could return.
The facts about testicular cancer
Testicles are responsible for the production of male hormones (mostly testosterone) and sperm. Testicular cancer starts as an abnormal growth or tumour that develops in one or both testicles. There are several types of testicular cancer, but the most common is the germ cell tumour.
If you've been diagnosed with testicular cancer
The most important step is to talk to your doctor about treatment choices. You may consider getting a second or third doctor’s opinion.
Hear from Mo Bro Ben Bowers about his experience with his testicular cancer.
Treatment options
Testicular cancer is a highly treatable cancer and can be effectively treated, and often cured, if diagnosed and treated early. Advanced testicular cancer can also be cured with treatment including:
- Orchiectomy (surgical removal of the affected testis), done under general anesthetic
- Chemotherapy or radiotherapy, often prescribed after surgery to treat any remaining cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of the body, such as lymph nodes
Side effects
Testicular cancer and the removal of one testicle should not alter your ability to have sex or have children. The effect on fertility following removal of one of the testicles is minimal as a single testicle produces such large numbers of sperm. Men with testicular cancer should talk to their oncologist about sperm banking before commencing chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
More support and resources
TrueNTH - Testicular Cancer
Designed by men who have been through the experience, TrueNTH Testicular Cancer is available for men who have been diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Orchid
If you would like to talk to a specialist nurse about testicular cancer, you can call Orchid on 0808 802 0010
