Movember, an annual month-long event in November, is more than just an excuse to grow a stylish moustache. It’s a global movement dedicated to raising awareness about men’s health issues, with a particular focus on testicular cancer.

According to Dr Adrian Rotunno, a sports and exercise medicine physician and Virgin Active’s expert on men’s health, testicular cancer, though relatively rare compared to other cancers, primarily affects young men.

“The good news is that it is highly treatable when detected in its early stages. However, to detect it early, men need to be aware of the causes, risk factors, common symptoms, and the importance of self-examinations,” he says.

Causes and risk factors

While the exact cause of testicular cancer is unknown, some risk factors are associated with a higher incidence, including:

• Age: Testicular cancer primarily affects young and middle-aged men, with the highest incidence occurring between ages 15 to 35. However, it can develop at any age.
• Positive family history raises the risk.
• Race: It is more common in Caucasian men than any other race.
• Genetic factors: Certain genetic conditions can predispose one to a higher risk, for example, Klinefelter syndrome where there is an extra X chromosome in males, with resultant developmental and hormonal abnormalities, and an increased cancer risk.
• Cryptorchidism: Men with undescended testes are potentially at a higher risk. This condition is normally found during early childhood development and needs intervention if present.
• Infertility: Certain genetic factors/conditions that cause infertility may predispose to a higher risk.

Early prevention

Understanding the potential causes of testicular cancer can help men take proactive steps to reduce their risk, says Rotunno.

Preventing testicular cancer is challenging due to its relatively unknown cause, but knowing the risk factors can certainly help. While some factors, like age and family history, can’t be controlled, men can take several steps to reduce their risk, including:

Regular self-examinations

Men should get familiar with their own testicles. This can help them notice any unusual changes. Regular self-checks can be done during a shower or bath when the scrotal skin is relaxed. Gently roll each testicle between the fingers to check for lumps or irregularities. If you notice something out of the ordinary, seek a medical opinion sooner rather than later.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle

This includes eating a balanced diet and regular exercise, which reduces the risk of cancer in general. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these can contribute to overall health and potentially lower the risk of many types of cancer.

Protecting the testicles

Taking part in activities that could lead to testicular trauma, such as contact sports, should be done with proper protection in place to reduce the risk of injury. Trauma to the testicles is not a direct cause of cancer, but it can be associated with testicular abnormalities.

Early medical consultation

If you experience any symptoms or notice abnormalities during self-examinations, it’s crucial to seek medical attention straight away. Early detection and treatment are vital to improving the chances of a successful outcome.

Common symptoms

Unfortunately, there are no routine formal screening tests one can do to pick up testicular cancer, says Rotunno.

Being aware of the common symptoms of testicular cancer, however, plays a crucial role in early detection. While self-examinations can help, it’s also important to recognise other warning signs that might hint at problems. These include, but are not limited to:

• A lump or swelling in the testicle (most often painless). This is why regular self-examinations are so important
• Some men may experience aching or discomfort in the lower abdomen or scrotum
• Any noticeable changes in the size, shape, or consistency of the testicle
• A feeling of unusual heaviness in the scrotum
• In rare cases, testicular cancer may cause back pain or other symptoms due to the spread of cancer to other parts of the body
• Abnormal fatigue or headaches in the case of spread to other organs.

The importance of self-examination

Regular self-examinations are an essential part of early detection and men must become familiar with the appearance and feel of their testicles. The best way to do this is to check them regularly. To perform a self-examination:

• Stand in front of a mirror and visually inspect the scrotum for any irregularities in size, shape, or texture
• Gently roll each testicle between the fingers to feel for lumps, swelling, or changes in texture
• Don’t be alarmed if you notice a soft, tube-like structure (the epididymis) at the back of each testicle. This is a normal part of the anatomy. This can be sensitive to the touch, but generally not painful. If painful, there can be other conditions like infection or inflammation of the epididymis which is treatable. Once again, if you notice something abnormal, get it checked
• If you notice any abnormalities, lumps, or other changes, consult a healthcare professional promptly so that they can check you out properly.

“Movember is a month for men to prioritise their health and be proactive, but this awareness should not be restricted to only one month a year. If caught early, the chances of improving the outcome increase dramatically. So, check, check, and double check. We can and are making strides in the fight against testicular cancer and ultimately saving lives.

“Remember, your health is in your hands – quite literally,” says Rotunno.