Testicular Self-Examination

Testicular self-examination is a procedure in which a man examines his own testicles and scrotum for possible lumps or swelling, usually undertaken at home while standing in front of a mirror and after having a warm bath or shower. Monthly self-examination of the testicles starting at puberty may be an effective way of detecting testicular cancer at an early, potentially treatable stage, which can lead to a five-year survival rate of 98 percent. In men aged 15 to 40, testicular cancer is the most common cancer, and the annual rate of increase over the last ten years in cases of testicular cancer is approximately one percent each year; testicular cancer typically presents with a painless testicular swelling or a lump or any change in shape or texture of the testicles.