2024-01-03 08:22:00
General cancer
After taking a shower, take a look at ‘this place’… Helps detect cancer
Reporter Lee Hae-rim
Entered 2024/01/03 17:22
Examining the testicles following a shower can help detect testicular cancer early./Photo = Getty Image Bank Testicular cancer patients are rare, accounting for only regarding 1% of all male cancer patients. The prognosis is good, with a 5-year survival rate of over 90%, but if discovered late, there is a risk of the cancer spreading elsewhere through the lymph nodes. According to data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of testicular cancer patients in Korea was 2,432 as of 2022, and by age group, those aged 30 to 39 accounted for the most at 33.3%. These were followed by those aged 20 to 29 (25.7%) and those aged 40 to 49 (22.1%).
The most common symptoms of testicular cancer include swelling of one testicle, enlargement, a lump, or heaviness in the scrotum. Testicles are usually slightly larger on one side, but when testicular cancer occurs, the size changes noticeably. It is a good idea to stand in front of a full-length mirror and check your testicular skin often for any abnormalities, such as swelling. You should roll it with your hand and feel it to see if there are any lumps or swelling. It is recommended during or immediately following taking a warm shower or bath. This is because when the scrotum is relaxed in warm water, abnormalities can be felt more easily when touched with the hand.
People who have a history of ‘undescended testicles’ in childhood, where the testicles are not properly formed, or who have a family member with a history of testicular cancer, are at risk for testicular cancer. In addition, it is known that trauma, continuous chemical exposure, smoking, inguinal hernia, and mumps virus infection increase the risk of developing testicular cancer. If you are in a high-risk group or have risk factors for testicular cancer, conducting self-diagnosis or receiving regular checkups at a hospital can help with early detection. After puberty, it is a good idea to perform a testicular self-exam every month.
When testicular cancer occurs, the cancerous area is removed through surgery. Afterwards, depending on the cancer stage or type of cancer cell, chemotherapy or radiation treatment may be administered. Even if only one testicle is present, it can function properly, producing sperm, but undergoing chemotherapy can cause sperm to disappear, making natural pregnancy difficult. You may consider storing sperm in a sperm bank before chemotherapy.
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