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• Voice Male Men’s Health What Men Can Do Preventing Prostate and Testicular Cancer T here are many good reasons for men to take charge of their health. As we grow older, the risk of developing a chronic disease like cancer increases. Men need to get to know their bodies, learn the warning signs of cancer, and follow a healthy lifestyle. Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer refers to a tumor of the prostate gland, a gland located just below the bladder where the fluid of semen is produced. There is no single cause of prostate cancer, but some factors appear to increase the risk of developing it. These include: • Age—particularly after age 65 (prostate cancer is uncommon in men under 50) • Family history of prostate cancer • African ancestry • High levels of testosterone • Using cadmium at work What can you do? • If you are over 50 years of age, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of screening for prostate cancer. • If you have a higher than average risk for prostate cancer, you may wish to discuss the possibility of starting screening at a younger age. • Also, watch out for frequent, difficult, or painful urination; dribbling urination; urine that contains blood or pus; pain in the lower back, pelvic area, or upper thighs; pain during ejaculation. Testicular Cancer Although testicular cancer is quite rare, it is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in men between the ages of 20 and 45. But it can almost always be treated successfully. The testicles are located behind the penis in a sac called the scrotum. Testicular cancer may cause one or both of the testicles to enlarge or it may cause a lump in the scrotum. What can you do? • First, all men age 15 or older should check their testicles regularly. • Become familiar with your testicles so you can detect any changes early; report any changes to your doctor. • Have regular medical checkups by your doctor that include testicular examination. • Watch for any change in size, shape, consistency, swelling, or sensation of your testicles or scrotum. • Notice any pain in the testicles or scrotum. 1. Get to know your body. 2. Don’t shrug off the warning signs. 3. Follow a healthy lifestyle. • Watch out for: a dull ache or heaviness in your lower abdomen; unusual and persistent backache; unexplained weight loss. Reducing Your Risk Research continues to show that some cancers can be prevented. Start with these steps and begin to reduce your risk of developing cancer. 1. Get to know your body. 2. Don’t shrug off the warning signs. 3. Follow a healthy lifestyle. VM Prepared by the Canadian Cancer Society, this article is used by permission of the Canadian Health Network. 20
Take Yourself in Hand! How to Do a Testicular Self-Examination Testicular self-examination (TSE) is a simple three-step process that can help you detect testicular cancer early. All men should perform a TSE once each month from the time they are 15 years old. Ideally, you should examine your testicles after a hot bath or shower because the warmth will cause your testicles to descend and the skin of your scrotum to relax, making it easier to feel any lumps, growths or tenderness. 1. Stand in front of the mirror. Look for any swelling on the skin of your scrotum. 2. Examine each testicle one at a time, placing your index and middle fingers of both hands on the underside of your testicle and your thumbs on the top side. Firmly roll your testicle between your fingers and thumbs, carefully feeling for any lumps, growths, or sensations of tenderness that don’t feel normal. It is normal for one of your testicles to be larger than the other. At the back of each testicle there is a soft cord. This is the tube that collects and carries your sperm. It is a normal part of your scrotum. After you have examined one testicle and cord, check the opposite side. Some men find that comparing the two sides is helpful. 3. Become familiar with how your scrotum feels so you will be able to tell if there are any changes over time. Testicular cancer may not always create a noticeable lump on your testicle. Other clues to look for include: • any change in size, shape, tenderness, or sensation of your testicles or scrotum • a change in the consistency or swelling of your testicles or scrotum • pain in your testicles or scrotum • a dull ache or heaviness in your lower abdomen • abnormal and persistent backache • unexplained weight loss • breast development See your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms. Regular testicular self-examination is an important health habit, but it can’t replace a doctor’s examination. Your doctor should check your testicles when you have a physical exam. You can also ask your doctor to teach you how to do a testicular self-examination. —Canadian Cancer Society A Gift of Hope. For the Holidays and Beyond. $14.95 each (includes shipping) Order Four or more for $11.95 each (includes shipping) All Proceeds from Calendar sales will benefit the Men’s Resource Center for Change. Stunning Photographs of the natural beauty of western Massachusetts. Inspiring Quotations by voices for peace— Nelson Mandela, Howard Zinn, Gandhi, and more. Created and Produced by Photographer Charlie Hertan Send checks to: MRC Calendar, 236 No. Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01002 Order online at: www.mrcforchange.org. For information, contact Gretchen Craig at (413) 253-9887 Ext. 16; gcraig@mrcforchange.org. FALL 2005 • 21
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