Testicular awareness
How to read the stories

Testicular awareness

It is important for every man to become familiar with his normal balls (testicles) and with normal changes in his balls. He should check them at convenient times in a private place, ideally during or after a shower or bath. Some people remember to check themselves at the beginning of every month. If a man notices an unusual change in his balls, such as a lump, swelling (one ball getting bigger) or pain and discomfort, he should make an appointment to see his doctor straight away. This is positive health awareness rather than a ritualised ‘check for cancer’.

Testicular Cancer

Cancer of the testicle is rare, but it is the most common type of cancer in young men (aged 20–39). Some people have a higher risk of developing the disease. If one or both of a boy’s testicles have not descended by the age of seven he has a greater risk of developing testicular cancer later in life. The risk is higher if a close member of the family has been diagnosed with the disease. It is more common among men with Down’s syndrome and with other genetic conditions. People with Down’s syndrome are more likely to have testicles that have not descended into the scrotum. If someone using this book is unable to feel one or both of his testicles he should also tell his doctor about this, as ultrasound screening may be required.

Cancer can start as a small lump but it grows. It can move to other parts of the body. Testicular cancer is almost always curable if found early. The disease responds well to treatment even if it has spread to other parts of the body. More than nine out of ten patients are cured.

Symptoms

The early signs of testicular cancer are easy to spot. They include a hard lump on the front or side of a testicle. Swelling or enlargement of a testicle, an increase in firmness of a testicle, pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum and an unusual difference between one testicle and the other are also important changes. Other warning signs may include a heavy feeling in the scrotum and a dull ache in the lower stomach, groin or scrotum. The key signs, as illustrated in this book, are a lump, pain or discomfort and swelling.

Other problems

Not all problems mean that the person has cancer. For example, discomfort in his testicle (ball) might mean that he has an infection. Most lumps are benign, but it is important not to delay a visit to the doctor. Then the correct diagnosis can be made and the right treatment given.

How to read the stories

There is no right or wrong way to read the stories.

Some people are not used to reading stories. Start at the beginning and read the story in each picture. Encourage the reader to move through the pages at their own pace.
Encourage the person to tell the story in their own words. You will discover what they think is happening, what they already know, and how they feel. If you are using the pictures to help explain a procedure to someone, you may need to describe or clarify the actions being shown in each picture to help them understand. Try not to challenge the reader(s) or suggest their ideas are wrong.
Some pictures may be more difficult to understand. It can help to prompt the people you are supporting, for example:
• Who do you think that is?
• What is happening?
• How is he or she feeling?
• Do you feel like that? Has it happened to you/ your friend/ your family?
Allow people enough time to follow the pictures at their own pace. Allow time for discussion of each picture.
Some people may benefit from reading the larger story from which the extract has been taken. This will allow them to explore their feelings and experiences in more depth. To buy the complete book, follow the link to the bookshop that appears at the end of the story.