I was pleased to see one of my 20-year-old patients a few weeks ago who had just completed four cycles of chemotherapy for testicular cancer.
The good news is that it looks as though he is now cancer free, and he has better than a 90 percent chance of being completely cured. On paper, that sounds like a success story. In many ways it is. But it is also rather sad.
When he first came to see me six months ago, he had already known about a lump on his right testicle for the previous six months. He is a very religious young man and felt ashamed to discuss it with friends or family. By the time I examined him, he had a large cancer in the right testicle and signs that it had already spread.
Thankfully, testicular cancer is one of the few cancers that can still be cured even when there is metastatic disease. But his journey could have been much simpler.
Testicular cancer is the commonest cancer in men under the age of 30. We continue to see young men who delay seeking help. Most of the time, this is not due to embarrassment, although that certainly plays a role in some cases. More often, it is wishful thinking. Men hope the lump will disappear or convince themselves it is nothing serious.
The truth is that there are many lumps and bumps around the testicle, and the vast majority are entirely benign. In many cases, a simple clinical examination and, if necessary, an ultrasound scan can give reassurance almost immediately.
Almost all testicular cancers are curable when caught early, usually with surgery alone. No chemotherapy. No radiotherapy. Just a straightforward operation. We also take great care to help young men preserve fertility and body image, which are understandably important concerns at that age.
Testicular cancer is most common between the ages of 15 and 35, and it becomes very rare after the age of 40.
It is a very good idea for young men to examine their testicles once a month. A warm bath is an ideal time, as everything is relaxed and easier to feel properly.
You are checking the body of the testicle itself for any new lump, firmness, or unusual swelling. If something feels different, do not ignore it.
No doctor will ever judge or dismiss a young man for coming in with a concern. Quite the opposite. We would always rather see someone early and reassure them than see them months later with a more advanced problem.
If you notice something unusual, get it checked. So all men under 40, and anyone who cares about a man under 40, should be aware of this. Testicular cancer is highly curable when diagnosed early. Delay can complicate treatment unnecessarily. A simple examination at the right time can make all the difference.