Nutritional supplements, self help CDs, homeopathic and flower remedies       tel: + 44 (0)844 412 4486

We donate at least 12% of our profits to charitable organisations. View Cart | Checkout  Cart Items:, Value:

Male Cancer Signs And Symptoms

Health Products | Health | Male Cancer

Male Cancer: Don’t Ignore Your Nuts by Zahida Parveen

Did you know men are more informed about breast cancer (that predominantly affects more women than men) than they are about “male-only” cancers? As is true for many cancerous cells, when caught in the early stages can, the chances of surviving are far greater. It is very clear that there is room for increased awareness of male cancers - prostate and testicular. If you were to carry out a straw poll in the street, I’d say most people would guess that such cancers affect men of a certain age (middle-aged and older). Whilst this is the case for prostate cancer, nothing could be further from the truth for testicular cancer.

Despite, health awareness campaigns such as Everyman's “Keep your eye on the ball” supported by the UK Football Association, the UK Professional Footballers Association, and UK Football clubs all over the UK, many men still seem to be in the dark about some basic facts that could be potentially life saving. The Everyman’s annual campaign aims to raise awareness of male cancers: from providing facts, figures, contacts, support resources, this campaign’s ultimate goal is to banish the taboos surrounding men and cancer.

We all know the stereotype, it is almost impossible for men to discuss personal health matters, particularly if it’s anything to do with their manhood! All this has to change.

With advances in modern medicine statistics now show, we are better equipped at dealing with cancerous cells. More and more cancer sufferers are getting the “all-clear” from their doctors. Why? When caught in the early stages you significantly increase your chances of survival. Men need to be better informed, don’t let ignorance, fear, male bravado or embarrassment get in the way and most importantly, get to know your nuts!

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer to affect young men between 15-45 years old. Reported cases of testicular cancer have practically doubled in the last twenty years (UK based statistics). A very serious increase in diagnosed cases, that none of us can afford to ignore.

A recent survey conducted, revealed that only 28% of men regularly check their testicles for signs of testicular cancer. This cancer has over a 90% survival rate when caught in its early stages; therefore, more men need to be encouraged to carry out self-examinations on a regular basis.

The symptoms of Testicular Cancer are:

• a painless lump in the testicle
• a hardness/swelling or pain in the testicle
• pain in the scrotal sac
• a pulling sensation or feeling of unusual heaviness in the scrotum
• any enlargement of a testicle
• pain or discomfort (which may come and go) in the testicle or scrotum
• a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
• a sudden collection of blood or fluid in the scrotum (called a hydrocele)
• blood passing from the penis or in the urine
• enlargement or tenderness in the breast area
• any change in the way a testicle feels
• a change in the way a testicle looks (it is quite natural for one testicle to be larger than the other, and also for them to hang at different levels)

Normally testicular cancer affects only one of the testicles; it is very rare that both will be affected at the same time. There are other conditions that could cause one or more of these symptoms, i.e.: a cyst, a swollen blood vessel, or a hernia. If you experience one of more of these symptoms, it may not necessarily be a positive sign of testicular cancer. If symptoms persist please consult your doctor for a correct diagnosis.

Prostate cancer [sometimes spelt wrongly as prostrate cancer]

Prostate Cancer kills one man every hour in the UK; one man in 20 is diagnosed with prostate cancer. Usually, it occurs in men in their 50’s and over, it is rare for men under that age to be diagnosed with it. Prostate cancer has now become the most common cancer in men in the UK, overtaking lung cancer.

The symptoms of Prostate Cancer are varied

Normally, in its early stages, prostate cancer often does not cause symptoms. But when they do occur, they may include some or more of the following problems:

• ·Difficulty in urinating
• Delays in urinating
• Stopping and starting urinating
• Dribbling of urine before and/or after urinating
• A feeling that your bladder is not completely empty
• A weak stream of urine
• Burning sensation during urination
• Urinating more often than usual
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Pain when you orgasm
• Pain and stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs

If you experience one of more of these symptoms, if may not necessarily be a positive sign of prostate cancer. There are other conditions that could cause one or more of these symptoms: i.e. Prostatitis (an inflammation of the prostate) or a prostate infection. If symptoms persist please consult your GP for a correct diagnosis.

The Everyman centre is the UK's first dedicated male cancer research centre, and can provide further information, visit: www.icr.ac.uk/everyman There is also an information line/ helpline: 0800 731 9468. They provide factsheets, information resources, all you need to know about how to carry out self-examinations, what to look for, what to do next, who to call in confidence and provide more details about testicular and prostate health.

© 2006 Zahida Parveen, Registered Practitioner. Visit: www.therapyonthewharf.co.uk Tel: 0845 257 0795. She runs Heart & Sole Therapy natural healthcare practice addressing and managing health issues for individual, family and corporate health. She promotes health awareness in on many subjects and regularly features in health magazines.