Testicular Self Exam

Dear Lisa

My 15 year old son was in the Pediatrician’s office for an annual examination and was told that he was supposed to be doing a monthly Testicular Self Exam. Isn’t he too young for this?

“Too Young for Testicular Self Exam in N.J.”

Dear “Too Young for Testicular Self Exam”,

Testicular Cancer is the number one cancer killer in young men aged 15 to 35 years old. Luckily it has a very high cure rate if caught early. It usually presents as a painless pea size mass which gives the sensation of heaviness in the testis. Other warning signs for testicular cancer include sudden accumulation of fluid in the scrotum, swelling in the groin, dull ache in the groin area, enlargement of the testicle, or lower back pain. Those at risk for Testicular Cancer include men with a history of an undescended testicle, a family history of testicular cancer, caucasian race and young age (teenagers and young men).

The American Cancer Society recommends that men with risk factors perform a testicular self exam (TSE) on a regular basis. They also recommend a testicular exam by a health care professional as a part of their annual physical examination. It is not only recommended but prudent for your son to perform a testicular self exam on a regular basis. It is recommended that young men start performing TSE at puberty or 15 years old. The Jason A. Struble Memorial Cancer Fund was named after a young man who died of testicular cancer. Its mission is to educate young men about testicular self exam. You can contact the foundation at http://www.testicularcancer.org for free information, including a shower card which illustrates how to perform a TSE.

Lisa Kelly R.N., P.N.P.,C.
Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Advice About Keeping Kids Healthy