All You Need To Know About Testicular & Prostate Cancer! 👨🏽‍⚕️

What does #NoShaveNovember mean? People worldwide are giving up shaving or grooming their body hair to raise awareness about cancer.

This No-Shave November, let’s talk about two types of cancer that affect men. As we all know, knowledge is power; here is what you need to know about testicular and prostate cancer.

As the name suggests, testicular cancer begins in the testes present within the folds of the scrotum beneath your penis. Testicles are responsible for the secretion of sperm and the hormone testosterone. That means testicular cancer can affect your sexual and reproductive functions. But don’t worry too much. It is not very common and is treatable in most cases.

On the other hand, prostate cancer is a common types of cancer in the cells of the walnut-shaped gland sitting near your urethra and rectum. Your prostate produces some of the fluid that supports and transports sperm. Prostate cancer can affect your urinary, sexual, and reproductive health. It generally spreads slowly and can be treated with an early diagnosis.

Some research suggests that men with a history of testicular cancer have a higher probability of getting high-risk prostate cancer later in their lifetime. That’s why early detection is always preferable.

Risk factors of testicular and prostate cancer

Family & Health History: You may be at a higher risk of testicular and prostate cancer if it already runs in your blood relations, such as your parents and siblings. Those with a family history of breast cancer or with specific genes that raise the risk of its incidence are also at a higher risk of prostate cancer. Also, men with a history of undescended testicles (even if it’s corrected) are at risk of testicular cancer.

Age-related factors: Any man may get either of these cancers. Statistically, testicular cancer occurs mainly in young to middle-aged adults or those between the ages of 15-45. Contrarily, old age increases the risk of prostate cancer; it most commonly occurs in men over 50 years.

Weight and other health conditions: While your weight does not directly cause testicular or prostate cancer, overweight people have a higher chance of dealing with rapidly growing prostate cancer that may further affect their treatment. Some research also says that infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can increase the risk of testicular cancer.

Now that you know their risk factors, how do you know if you may have cancer? Here are the symptoms you must look out for:

Symptoms of testicular cancer

– Lumps or swelling in the testes

– Aches in either of the testes

– Pain in the groin or the belly

– Swelling or feeling of heaviness in the scrotum

– Discomfort or tenderness in the breast tissue

Symptoms of prostate cancer

– Problems with urination like increased urination, difficulty in beginning to urinate, or a weak flow

– Traces of blood in urine or semen

– Burning sensation or pain while urinating

– Unexplained loss of weight

– Difficulty in getting an erection

Do not be alarmed if you witness any such symptoms, as it may be something else. For instance, some symptoms of prostate cancer are the same as prostatitis (or prostate inflammation). If your signs and symptoms persist for two weeks or more, contact a doctor for consultation and get the necessary diagnostic tests recommended.

How to reduce the risk of testicular and prostate cancer?

No one can avoid the incidence of prostate or testicular cancer. You can still take some steps for your health and medical decisions to reduce their risk. Here’s what you can do:

Be aware of symptoms: Reading and learning from this blog is the first step you can take for your well-being. Notice if you have any symptoms of testicular and prostate cancer and other sudden changes in your body. You can also self-examine your testicles to feel for lumps or unusual swelling. If any changes or symptoms persist, the next step is to see a doctor immediately.

Regular health check-ups: Another way to reduce the risk associated with testicular and prostate cancer is by getting regular medical check-ups. Kenko offers individual and family plans to help you get screened and tested for these cancers without worrying about their costs. As mentioned earlier, early detection and treatment is the key to recovery.

Make lifestyle changes: Your lifestyle factors may not directly influence the incidence of prostate or testicular cancer, but they can still affect your overall health. So, follow the basic protocols of eating a balanced diet of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Try to be physically active and follow a self-care regimen for your well-being.

Taking care of yourself is a challenging task. Regular health check-ups, consulting a doctor when required, having access to medicines and other health essentials can drain you financially. With Kenko Health Plans, you get benefits on all medical bills. Check out our plans here.