What do you call a man with swollen testicles?
What do you call a man with swollen testicles? At risk! In Ireland, over 13,000 men are diagnosed with cancer each year. This means that 1 in 3 Irish males will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their life. Fortunately, some cancers can be prevented and successfully treated if caught early. Below are 4 common cancers that affect men in Ireland and the signs and symptoms to look out for.
Prostate Cancer
The most common male related cancer in Ireland is prostate cancer. Around 3,300 men are diagnosed each year. As you age, the risk of getting prostate cancer increases. So, it is important that you talk to your GP and get yourself checked out each year.
Signs & Symptoms may include:
Prostate cancer doesn’t usually cause symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose. However, if the prostate becomes enlarged it can press on the bladder causing prostate urinary symptoms. These include;
- Passing urine more often, especially at night
- Trouble starting or stopping the flow
- A slow flow of urine
- Pain when passing urine
- Blood in the urine or semen
Testicular Cancer
Though it is rare, testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men aged 15-34. There may not be anything you can do to prevent it, but it is very treatable and is nearly always curable. That’s why you should check your testicles every month, making sure they’re smooth, firm, and comfortable.
Signs & Symptoms may include:
- A painless lump or swelling on either testicle
- Pain, discomfort, or numbness in a testicle or the scrotum, with or without swelling
- Change in the way a testicle feels or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- Dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
- Sudden build-up of fluid in the scrotum
Bowel Cancer
Also known as rectal or colon cancer, the bowel is the second most common place for cancer to develop, with over 2,800 individuals diagnosed each year in Ireland. Bowel cancer can be hereditary, meaning that if anyone in your family has been diagnosed with it, you have a higher possibility of developing it too. Research shows that an increased consumption of alcohol, processed foods and lack of exercise can increase your risk of bowel cancer. Luckily, the National Bowel Screening Programme offers free home test kits to men and women over the age of 60 to check for abnormal cells in your stool (poo).
Signs & Symptoms may include:
- Changes in your bowel habit – going more often, looser motions or constipation
- Blood in your poo or bleeding from your back passage
- Pain or discomfort in your stomach
- Feeling you have not emptied your bowel fully after going to the toilet
- Unexplained weight loss
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland. Most cases are caused by over exposure to UV rays from the sun, which damage skin cells. This is why being SunSmart is extremely important, to prevent such harm. If detected early, 90% of skin cancer cases can be treated. So, be sure to check your skin regularly and talk to your GP if you have concerns.
Signs & Symptoms may include:
Not all skin cancers look the same, but they can appear in a number of ways, such as:
- A small lump
- Flat, red spot or a firm, red lump
- A lump or spot that is tender to touch
- An ulcer that will not heal
- Rough, scaly patches
- A new or changing mole
Overall, cancer can come in various shapes and sizes, affecting the body in many ways. But through regular checks, healthy habits, and keeping yourself informed, you too can prevent, detect, and reduce your risk of getting cancer.
For more information on how to reduce your risk of cancer, click here, or Freephone the Irish Cancer Society for advice on 1800 200 700