Take the matter into your own hand…
Finding lumps on your balls can be worrying, but there’s lots of stuff going on down there. Jackie Hall, Health at Hand operations manager at AXA PPP healthcare gives us some insight on how to check our balls for cancer.
Testicular cancer is a male cancer which should be checked for regularly, and just like other cancers, it can be easier to treat if detected early. By regularly examining yourself, you are more likely to notice if anything changes or feels unusual so it is best to make this a part of your usual daily routine.
The best time to check your testicles is after a warm shower, as this is when the skin is most relaxed, by following the below guide:
Contrast and compare
Rest your testicles in the palms of your hands and compare one testicle with the other for equal heaviness. A lot of men have one testicle which is larger than the other, or one that hangs lower than the other, so don’t worry if this is the case
Roll them balls
Place your fingers behind the scrotum and gently roll your testicle between your thumb and fingers
Hard lumps?
You are looking out for any hard lump or swelling – or any particular changes in shape. Make sure you check each testicle individually
Does it seem normal?
A normal testicle is oval shaped and feels firm, but not hard
Heavy balls?
Most cases of testicular cancer start with a painless lump in the testicle; though sometimes there can be pain or discomfort or a heavy feeling in the scrotum. Make sure you consult your GP as soon as possible if you experience any of these sensations, or if you find a lump
If you experience any of the above symptoms for testicular cancer, make an appointment with your GP.
