April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder that testicular cancer — while highly treatable — is one of the cancers that affect younger men. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 9,810 new cases will be diagnosed in the United States in 2026, and about 630 men will die from the disease.1 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 is mainly a disease of young and middle-aged men — the average age at diagnosis is about 33 — though it can occur at any age.1 Unlike many cancers, testicular cancer is usually treated successfully: when it is found while still confined to the testicle, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99 percent.2 Too many men delay seeking care, and 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.
A painless lump is actually the most classic presentation of testicular cancer.
Dr. David Robbins
Who Is at Risk?
Testicular cancer can affect any man, but several factors increase risk:
- Age: most cases are in young and middle-aged men
- 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 self-exam takes less than two minutes and can be done in the shower when the scrotal skin is relaxed:
- Hold one testicle between your thumb and fingers and roll it gently.
- Feel for any lumps, hard areas, or changes in size compared to the other side.
- The epididymis (a soft, tube-like structure behind the testicle) is normal — do not confuse it with a lump.
- Repeat on the other side.
- If anything feels different, schedule a visit with a urologist.
A note on the evidence: the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend routine screening for testicular cancer in men without symptoms, by self-exam or by a clinician, because studies have not shown that it changes outcomes.3 Knowing what is normal for you is still useful: a change you notice is a symptom, not a screening result, and symptoms should be checked.
What Happens if Something Is Found?
If a lump or abnormality is detected, the first step is typically an ultrasound of the testicle — a quick, 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 and fewer complications.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robbins at Urological Consultants of Florida, call (305) 672-4222. We are located at 12411 Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami, FL 33181 and serve patients throughout Miami-Dade and Broward County.
Learn more about our men’s health and wellness services.
Sources
- American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Testicular Cancer.
- American Cancer Society. Testicular Cancer Survival Rates.
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Testicular Cancer: Screening.
