It only takes one minute each month!
Testicular cancer is most common in men ages 15–35, though it can happen at any age.
Luckily, it’s highly treatable when caught early. Knowing how your body normally looks and feels helps you notice changes.
Doing a quick self-check once a month can help you catch problems early, and it only takes about one minute.
Take action
- Know what’s normal for you
- Check once a month
- See a doctor if something feels off
How to do a quick self-check
Right after a warm shower or bath, when your skin is relaxed:
- First, take a look. Stand in front of a mirror if you can and check for swelling or changes in the skin.
- Then do a physical check. Using both hands, gently roll each testicle between your fingers.
- Feel for changes. Notice any hard lumps, smooth bumps, or changes in size, shape, or firmness.
- Notice discomfort. The exam should not hurt. Pay attention to any pain, dull ache, or heaviness.
What to expect
Bodies aren’t perfectly smooth or symmetrical, so you may notice common but normal things like:
- Natural differences. One testicle may be slightly larger or hang lower than the other.
- Normal features. A soft, coiled tube along the back or side can feel like a small bump. This is a normal part of the testicle.
- Uneven textures. Blood vessels and supporting tissues can feel uneven at first.
Becoming familiar with these features and knowing what’s normal for you makes it easier to spot anything new, unusual, or different.
To learn more, talk with your doctor or visit Cancer.gov.
