Testicular cancer screening in men

Testicular cancer is not common. It is often first discovered by the man himself, or his sex partner, as a lump or an enlarged and swollen testicle. In the early stages of testicular cancer, the lump, which may be about the size of a pea, usually is not painful. Testicular cancer found early and treated quickly has a very high cure rate.

Medical organizations have different recommendations for testing for testicular cancer.

• The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that all men between the ages of 15 and 40 have a testicular exam as part of a regular physical exam by their health professionals. However, the ACS does not recommend regular self-exams for men without testicular cancer risk factors.¹ Risk factors include having a history of an undescended testicle or a family or personal history of testicular cancer.
• The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) does not recommend routine testicular examination or testicular self-examinations in teens and men who have no symptoms.²

Testicular self-examination (TSE) may detect testicular cancer at an early stage. Many testicular cancers are first discovered by self-examination as a painless lump or an enlarged testicle.

Some health professionals recommend that men between the ages of 15 and 40 perform monthly testicular self-examination. However, this is controversial. Many health professionals do not believe monthly TSE is necessary for men who are at average risk of developing testicular cancer. Monthly TSE may be recommended for men who are at high risk of developing testicular cancer. This includes men with a history of an undescended testicle or a family or personal history of testicular cancer.

For more information, see the topic Testicular Cancer.

Citations

1. American Cancer Society (2004). How is testicular cancer found? Overview: Testicular Cancer. Available online: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_2_3x_How_Is_Testicular_Cancer_Found_41.asp?sitearea=.

2. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2004). Screening for testicular cancer: Recommendation statement. Available online: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspstest.htm.