April Is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month: What Every Man Should Know

Published: April 2026 • Written by David Robbins, MD, Board-Certified Urologist, North Miami, FL

Every April, the American Urological Association and the Urology Care Foundation remind men across the country that testicular cancer—while highly treatable—remains one of the most common cancers in younger men. In 2026, an estimated 9,800 new cases will be diagnosed in the United States, and approximately 630 men will die from the disease. The single most important factor in successful treatment is early detection.

As a board-certified urologist in Miami, I want to use this awareness month to explain what testicular cancer is, who is at risk, and what you can do right now to protect yourself.

What Is Testicular Cancer?

Testicular cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in one or both testicles. It most commonly affects men between the ages of 15 and 44, though it can occur at any age. Unlike many cancers, testicular cancer has an exceptionally high cure rate—greater than 95 percent when caught early. However, too many men delay seeking care. On average, men wait five or more months after noticing symptoms before bringing them up to a healthcare provider. That delay can make a real difference in treatment complexity and recovery.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Not every change in the testicle means cancer, but any of the following should prompt a visit to a urologist:

• A painless lump or swelling in either testicle
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
• A change in size or firmness of a testicle
• Sudden accumulation of fluid in the scrotum

Pain is not required for cancer to be present. A painless lump is actually the most classic presentation of testicular cancer. If something feels different, do not wait—get it checked.

Who Is at Risk?

Testicular cancer can affect any man, but several factors increase risk:

• Age: Most common in men ages 15–44
• Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism): One of the strongest known risk factors
• Family history: Having a father or brother with testicular cancer increases risk
• Personal history: Having had cancer in one testicle increases the risk of developing it in the other
• Race: White men are at higher risk than men of other racial groups

How to Perform a Testicular Self-Exam

A monthly self-exam takes less than two minutes and can be done in the shower when the scrotal skin is relaxed:

1. Hold one testicle between your thumb and fingers and roll it gently.
2. Feel for any lumps, hard areas, or changes in size compared to the other side.
3. The epididymis (a soft, tube-like structure behind the testicle) is normal—do not confuse it with a lump.
4. Repeat on the other side.
5. If anything feels different, schedule a visit with a urologist.

What Happens if Something Is Found?

If a lump or abnormality is detected, the first step is typically an ultrasound of the testicle—a painless, non-invasive imaging study that can help characterize the mass. Blood tests for tumor markers (AFP, beta-hCG, and LDH) may also be drawn. If cancer is suspected, the standard treatment is a radical inguinal orchiectomy (surgical removal of the affected testicle through a small incision in the groin). The prognosis with early-stage testicular cancer is excellent, and most men go on to live full, healthy lives.

Do Not Wait

The message this Testicular Cancer Awareness Month is simple: if something feels off—even if it does not hurt—talk to a urologist. Early detection means simpler treatment, fewer complications, and better outcomes.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robbins at Urological Consultants of Florida, call (305) 575-2771. We are located at 12411 Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami, FL 33181 and serve patients throughout Miami-Dade and Broward County.

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