Testicular self-examination (TSE)

The most common form of cancer and the leading cause of death in North American males between the ages of 15 and 35 is testicular cancer. And while the number of cases has increased dramatically in the past 25 years, the reason for the increase remains unclear. What is clear is that the majority of men are not aware of the risk factors and symptoms and do not know how to perform a testicular examination. Of those who are aware of the disease, few examine themselves on a regular basis. Health professionals, including nurses, have done much to promote breast self examination (BSE) in women. Yet the education of young men in the desirability of monthly testicular self examination (TSE) has been largely neglected.