LaConnie Taylor-Jones

The prevention and screening treatments for testicular cancer

There is no standard or routine screening test for the early detection of testicular cancer. Also, there are no proven ways to prevent testicular cancer. However, performing monthly TSE’s and knowing the symptoms of testicular cancer increases the possibility of detecting the disease at an early stage, when it’s most curable.

National Cancer Institute

Treatment of testicular cancer

There are several ways to treat testicular cancer once it is initially diagnosed. The most common way starts with an orchiectomy, which is the surgical procedure to remove the testicular mass. Once removed, the mass is sent to a pathologist to determine if it is indeed malignant and if so, the stage of the cancer. Other treatment options include: Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection, Chemotherapy, Radiation and Surveillance.

Men may experience a wide range of emotions after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. However, do not, and I repeat, do not let these emotions interfere with understanding and receiving appropriate treatment options. In addition to speaking with a health care provider, men should join a support group to discuss their feelings with others who’ve had similar feelings.

WebMD.com

How is testicular cancer diagnosed?

If testicular cancer is suspected, a health care provider will evaluate a man’s general health, which includes a physical exam as well as laboratory and other diagnostic tests. These tests include:

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“Many men don’t realize the importance of doing a testicular self- exam each month. Just as women should be examining their breasts to look for possible signs of breast cancer, it’s important for men after they have reached puberty, to perform a testicular cancer self exam each month. Because testicular cancer has a very high cure rate and with a cure rate of almost 100% for the very early stages of this disease, it’s very important to detect and treat the cancer as early as possible. Doctors recommend that men perform a testicular self-exam while standing up, and preferably after a hot shower or bath when the muscles are most relaxed …” Dr. Melissa Stoppler, MedicineNet.com

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Soon after the leading male character in my latest release, If I Were Your Woman, meets the love of his life, he’s diagnosed with testicular cancer. Needless to say, this news prompts a series of challenges and conflicts for the couple. So during the week of March 29th, I’ve decided to take off my author hat and put on the one I’ve worn for the past twenty-five years. Over the next five days, my profession as a public health educator comes to the forefront and my blog posts will focus on testicular cancer in five key areas: (1) what is testicular cancer (2) the symptoms and detection of testicular cancer (3) how is testicular cancer diagnosed (4) the treatment of testicular cancer and (5) the prevention and screening treatments for testicular cancer.

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