Table of contents:

Early detection of cancer increases the chance of a cure!
What is PSA?
Self-examination of the testicles

Testicularcancer mainly affects men between the ages of 14 and 34, while prostate cancer affects men after the age of 45. Despite the fact that cancer is the most common cause of death among men in Poland, talking about it, especially those affecting the intimate area, is still a taboo subject. The Movember campaign is about growing a moustache in November, which provokes a conversation about the importance of regular examinations and taking care of one's health.

Early detection of cancer increases the chance of a cure!

The effectiveness of treatment depends largely on early diagnosis. Detecting prostate cancer at an early stage enables a complete cure. Therefore, great emphasis is placed on prevention and screening. There is no universal method for detecting this type of cancer, but by undergoing regular examinations, it can be diagnosed early and thus treatment can begin quickly.

The most important thing is self-examination and regular visits to the doctor, which is not the norm among men. Often appointments are postponed and men go to the doctor when it is too late for effective treatment.

Men before the age of 40 should regularly examine themselves, while those over 45 should check their PSA level at least once a year.

What is PSA?

Prostate Specific Ant igen (PSA) is a protein produced exclusively by prostate cells. A simple blood test can measure PSA levels to help detect early prostate cancer. The risk of this cancer, increases as the PSA concentration increases. Healthy men also have some low levels of PSA , which is why it is difficult for doctors to determine the range of normal standards for this protein.

The PSAtest should be performed in men over 45 years of age and in those with a genetic risk, i.e. a family history of prostate cancer.

This cancer is most often asymptomatic, but there are a few characteristic symptoms that men should pay particular attention to, these are:

bleeding or burning when urinating,
difficulty holding urine,
lower abdominal pain,
erectile dysfunction,
presence of blood in sperm.

If a man observes any of the above-mentioned symptoms in himself, he should immediately see a urologist who, after interviewing the patient, will probably order, among other things, a PSA test.

A man finding out he has testicular cancer, photo: shutterstock

Self-examination of the testicles

In order to detect cancers of the male genitourinary tract quickly, regular testicular self-examination is important. This is a simple activity that every man should do at least once a month. It helps to develop the habit of examining oneself and checking one's body and the changes occurring in it.

How to examine yourself?

Each testicle should be examined separately. The examination is best carried out after a bath or shower, when the skin on the scrotal sac is relaxed.

Stage I

Grasp the testicle between the thumb and fingers of the hand, slowly touch the entire surface of the testicle to look for both hard and plastically soft lumps.

Stage II

Perform the identical procedure as in "Stage I" with the other testicle.

What is normal?

A smooth and firm testicular structure that is pleasant to the touch.

What should draw your particular attention?

Swelling, lump, pain on examination, enlargement of the testicle or change in the shape of either testicle. Both testicles should be similar - large differences in testicular shape and content always require consultation with a urologist!

Most lumps and bumps on one's testicles are not cancerous, but early diagnosis is the key to a quick and effective cure. If something is worrying you - contact your urologist.

Remember, you won't be able to tell what is normal in the shape and structure of your testicles and what isn't if you don't examine yourself regularly.

way4cure.com

Movember - November is prostate cancer month!

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