Testicular cancer and the value of self-examination

While there are national screening programmes for breast and cervical cancer, and raised levels of awareness of lung and skin cancer, the prevalence of testicular cancer among young men has largely been ignored. The document Health of the Nation was produced by the government with the aim of stimulating public and professional interest in health awareness and considering how it could be improved. One of the five key areas selected for particular consideration and action was cancer, chosen because of the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with the disease and because some cancers, although not all, can be prevented and cured as a result of screening and early detection. Testicular cancer as a health issue was not mentioned specifically in the document, probably because it is still relatively uncommon. This paper explores means of preventing testicular cancer by screening and early detection, and by encouraging testicular self-examination.