Julie Dunnigan
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By Julie Dunnigan | Cancer Support Community Arizona
April marks Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. According to The American Cancer Society, 1 in 250 men will develop testicular cancer in their lifetime. This month serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting men with testicular cancer and spreading awareness about the signs and symptoms to improve early detection.
What is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer, primarily impacting young men between the ages of 20 and 34. While the exact cause remains unknown, several risk factors can increase the likelihood of its occurrence, including a family history, having an undescended testicle and atypical testicle development.
The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a painless lump or swelling in one or both testicles. Other symptoms may include a feeling of heaviness, pain or discomfort in the scrotum or testicle and a dull ache in the groin or lower abdomen. These symptoms can also occur in other conditions, so it is important for patients to consult a health care professional for a precise diagnosis. Understanding the symptoms and risk factors of testicular cancer is crucial for early detection and successful treatment.
Why is early detection so important?
Testicular cancer has a high five-year survival rate of 95%, which increases to 99% when the disease is diagnosed early. Men should perform monthly self-exams to detect any lumps or changes in their testicles. If any abnormalities are noticed, seeking medical attention promptly is important. Regular checkups with a doctor are also crucial for increasing the likelihood of early detection and cancer. Doctors can perform screenings and discuss any changes in health that may indicate a need for further evaluation.
How can support help improve treatment outcomes?
According to a 2017 study, 25% and 50% of cancer patients report experiencing psychosocial stressors related to their diagnosis and treatment. This underscores the critical need for robust social and emotional support services in cancer care.
Failure to provide comprehensive care to cancer patients can result in decreased emotional well-being, additional suffering, reduced adherence to physician-prescribed care and a suspended return to ideal health. Conversely, when social-emotional services are provided, outcomes significantly improve.
Individuals with effective social support networks are at a decreased risk of mortality and recurrence of cancer. Access to supportive services can lead to fewer emergency department visits, increased physical activity, improved dietary habits, and better physical and social functioning.
A study highlighted the impact of psychosocial interventions, reporting that participants were 20% more likely to be alive at the study's conclusion and had a 29% increased likelihood of longer survival compared to control groups. This underscores the importance of incorporating social and emotional support into cancer treatment plans to enhance overall well-being and improve treatment outcomes.
Where can men find help?
Cancer can be a challenging journey, impacting not just the body but also the mind and spirit. Cancer Support Community Arizona offers men facing cancer a unique support group designed specifically to address their emotional and social needs. One of the key initiatives is the men’s support group, a safe space for men with current or recent cancer diagnoses to explore what cancer means in their lives. Participants find a community of men who stand beside them, understanding their stories because they have lived through similar experiences.
Cancer affects more than just the physical body. Through shared experiences and compassionate discussions, members of the group find the strength to navigate the emotional and social challenges of cancer together.
Through providing education and increasing access to supportive services, we can improve outcomes and enhance the quality of life for those impacted by testicular cancer.
Editor’s note: Julie Dunnigan is CEO of Cancer Support Community Arizona, a nonprofit that provides emotional and social support for anyone impacted by cancer through 100 free, in-person bilingual programs in greater Phoenix, the Verde Valley and Flagstaff, and via livestream to others throughout Arizona. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
