What Is Testicular Cancer?

You — and many others — probably wouldn't guess that testicular cancer is the most common cancer in American men between the ages of 15 and 35. Denial and embarrassment about the testicles, which are responsible for producing sperm cells for reproduction and male sex hormones, contribute to making it one of the least mentioned cancers.

Yet the disease deserves serious attention. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 7,500 men receive a diagnosis of testicular cancer each year in the United States. An estimated 400 men die of testicular cancer annually.

When detected early, however, testicular cancer is highly treatable. That's why early diagnosis and treatment are important for men of all ages. Adolescent boys and young men should be particularly aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease and do regular testicular self-exams.

Cancer Center Men's Health Center

Signs and Symptoms

The testicles (also called testes) are located inside the scrotum, a loose bag of skin below the penis. They produce sperm cells for reproductions, and male sex hormones.

Self Care

Eating well, managing stress and exercising are ways to promote your overall health and cope with any form of cancer. Also ask your doctor for specific suggestions about managing testicular cancer. (These suggestions may differ from what you read below.)

Eat well

Good nutrition is especially important for people undergoing cancer treatment. But eating well can be difficult if you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment. You may feel nauseated or lose your appetite; foods may seem tasteless.

Even so, eating well during cancer treatment can help you maintain your stamina and better cope with chemotherapy or radiation. Good nutrition may also help you prevent infections and remain more active.

Remember these strategies for eating well when you don't feel well:

• Eat protein-rich foods. These foods help to build and repair your body tissues.
  
  
• Keep an open mind about food. Something that is unappealing today might taste better to you next week.
  
  
• Make the most of feeling well. Eat as many healthful foods as you can. Prepare meals that you can easily freeze and reheat. Also look for low-fat frozen dinners and other prepared foods. Try to eat four to six small meals each day rather than one or two big meals.
  
  
• Give meals a pleasant atmosphere. Whenever possible, eat at a table set with attractive dishes and flowers.
  
  
• Pack in the calories. If you're concerned about weight loss, add extra calories to the food you eat. For example, spread butter, jam or honey on bread. Sprinkle foods with chopped nuts.
  
  
• Eat less more often. If you have trouble eating enough food in a single meal, eat smaller amounts of food more frequently. Drink nutritious liquids, including fruit juices and milk. Keep snacks handy so that you can eat easily when you feel up to it. Apples, grapes, carrots, celery, slices of bananas, popcorn and other healthy foods are good snack choices.
  
  
• Consider alternative cooking methods. If the aroma of cooking foods makes you feel ill, heat foods in a microwave. Choose foods that require little cooking or don't have powerful odors.

Manage stress

When you worry, look beyond the specific event involved. Ask yourself a few questions:

• What is the worst thing that can happen?
  
  
• How likely is it that the worst will happen?
  
  
• Have I done everything I realistically can to influence the outcome of the situation?
  
  
• Will the outcome change my life substantially? Will I even remember it several years from now?

Methods for reducing physical tension can also help you manage stress. One simple and powerful technique is to simply close your eyes and notice your breathing. Pay attention to each inhale and exhale. Your breathing will become slower and deeper, promoting relaxation. Another technique is to lie down, close your eyes, slowly scan your entire body for points of tension and release each one.

Exercise

Besides increasing your endurance, aerobic exercise can lift your mood and produce a calming effect that lasts well after you finish your workout. Jogging, swimming or brisk walking are all examples of aerobic exercise. Choose an activity that increases your heart rate for at least 20 minutes. Try to do these activities for 30 minutes four times a week if at all possible.

Activities such as running and swimming that require repetitive movements can produce a mental state similar to meditation. So can yoga and other stretching exercises.

Food & Nutrition Center Fitness & Sports Medicine Center

Coping Skills

Cancer can make huge demands on your ability to cope. Even if you care for yourself well, you might feel overwhelmed or helpless at times. You can't be expected to work full time, for example, and fight cancer. So be realistic when setting goals and expectations.

Remember that you do not need to handle it all alone. A counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist, clergy member or support group can help. Seeking outside help is not a sign of weakness. It takes strength and courage to ask for help.

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— February 12, 2002 —