Testicular self-examination: the person with learning difficulties

People with learning disabilities are at just as much risk as the general population are of contracting cancer. Mainstream men's healthcare needs are often neglected and this is also true for men who have learning disabilities. Testicular self-examination (TSE) is seen as an important activity that men should be taught to detect any early changes that may be signs of physiological significance. While testicular cancer is rare, its incidence is rising. In the majority of cases of testicular cancer, over 90% are curable (Cancer Research UK, 2002). TSE, for the purposes of this article, is seen as an activity that can be carried out independently (by the man himself) or with the assistance of another person (for example, carer or partner). This article discusses the importance of TSE and, in particular, with men who have a learning disability.