Testicular Cancer Awareness Month is observed annually in April to encourage men between the ages of 20 to 35 to get tested for testicular cancer. The month also doubles as a time to reflect on advancements in research, treatment, and progress. According to the American Cancer Society, testicular cancer remains one of the most treatable cancer types, with over 95% of those diagnosed surviving past five years.
History of Testicular Cancer Awareness Month
Testicular cancer became a thing when it was first diagnosed in patients in the 1960s. The disease develops in the testicles, a part of the male reproductive system causing a lump to be present when touched.
Although according to the National Cancer Institute, testicular cancer most often develops in young and middle-aged men and is the most common form of cancer in 20 to 35-year-old men, the organization estimates that several more thousands of men between the age bracket — excluding the 9,610 men in the United States that were already diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2020, would benefit from testing for the disease.
According to medical researchers, a percentage of men with testicular cancer will have no symptoms. The cancer might only be found during medical testing for other conditions, such as imaging tests done to find the cause of infertility.
The disease develops when cancer cells form in the tissues of one or both testicles — the egg-shaped glands located inside the scrotum that produce testosterone and sperm. Although testicular cancer is considered rare and accounts for just 1% of cancers diagnosed in men, it is the most common form of cancer in men aged 20 to 35.
Testicular Cancer Awareness Month was initiated to encourage men between that age group to get diagnosed and kickstart the process of treatment that has seen a massive jump in its effectiveness in recent years.
Testicular Cancer Awareness Month timeline
Adjuvant chemotherapy treatment, which increases the survival rates, is first tested.
Cisplatin, discovered in 1845, is licensed for medical use and is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.
Medical professionals witness a sustained rise in the survival rate of testicular cancer by 96%.
Testicular cancer affects about 686,000 people globally.
Testicular Cancer Awareness Month FAQs
Who is most at risk of developing testicular cancer?
According to statistics from diagnosed cases, the National Cancer Institute identifies the ages between 20 and 35 to be most at risk of developing testicular cancer.
Is testicular cancer a death sentence?
No. Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable cancer cases, with less than 5% resulting in deaths.
Is a testicular cancer lump hard or soft?
When you self-examine for testicular cancer, you may discover a hard lump on the side or front of the testicle.
How to Observe Testicular Cancer Awareness Month
Learn to self-diagnose
Most often, the first symptom of testicular cancer is a lump on the testicle, or the testicle becomes swollen or larger. On Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, particularly touch the region around your scrotum and see if any abnormalities exist to celebrate. You may also visit a health care professional for a proper test. Men with testicular cancer will sometimes feel heaviness or aching in the lower belly or scrotum.
Volunteer
Volunteer in various capacities and organizations, promoting testicular cancer awareness and helping patients come to terms with their diagnosis. The period between diagnosis and treatment is often emotionally tasking for patients. If, as a way to observe the holiday, you can pledge to help make that period lighter for patients through an N.G.O. of your choice, you will be celebrating the month in the best way possible.
Celebrate on social media
Encourage people to get tested on social platforms. Share humorous and lighthearted stories of your own journey to help convince even more men during the holiday month. Use #TesticularCancerAwarenessMonth in your post.
5 Important Facts About Testicular Cancer
Chemotherapy offers a cure
Chemotherapy offers a cure rate greater than 80%, even in cases where cancer has spread widely,
Its early sign is a developing lump
One of the first signs of testicular cancer is often a lump or swelling in the testes.
Sitting for too long increases the risk
A sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of developing testicular cancer.
Cannabis, testicular cancer, and Western nations
Higher rates of testicular cancer in western nations are believed to be due to the use of cannabis.
Its prevalence has doubled since its discovery
According to medical reports, the global incidence has doubled since the discovery of testicular cancer in the1960s.
Why Testicular Cancer Awareness Month is Important
It encourages self-examination
Testicular cancer has most recently been diagnosed in about 10,000 men in the U.S. in 2020, with the possibility of an even larger number in the focused group of 20 to 35-year-olds if every man within this age range is examined. The events organized around the Testicular Cancer Awareness Month celebration encourage men in that group to take action.
It demystifies treatment
Testicular Cancer Awareness Month is important to demystify treatment procedures. The holiday informs and helps men take comfort in the fact that it is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in men and that it has a high treatment success rate.
It reports on progress
For men diagnosed with testicular cancer, the National Cancer Institute notes five types of standard treatments used to treat the disease, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surveillance, and high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant. But, the N.C.I., including many other organizations, actively researches further treatment methods. Testicular Cancer Awareness Month serves as a day to be brought up to speed with the progress of these searches.
Testicular Cancer Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | April 1 | Saturday |
| 2029 | April 1 | Sunday |
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