At the Testicular Cancer Foundation, we come to work every day because we want to save lives. We are a team of survivors, caregivers, and advocates passionate about increasing education and awareness about the most common cancer in males ages 15-35…Testicular Cancer. Fighting a disease that affects a young demographic that feels invincible is an uphill battle, but we are taking it head-on. Being the only full-time staffed testicular cancer group and leading provider of education materials in the country, our mission (and obligation) is to ensure every male knows the warning signs of the disease and how to perform a testicular self exam.

Promise

We are committed to providing accurate, factual and encouraging information to raise awareness about testicular cancer, as well as provide relatable support to those on the road to survival.

Mission

Testicular Cancer Foundation educates young men to raise awareness about testicular cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer among males ages 15 – 34.TCF supports families of testicular cancer patients and shares its resources with the medical and healthcare communities, schools, and various young men’s groups.

Values

Mission-focused. Supportive. Accountable. Encouraging. Accurate. Never Intimidating. Not crude or vulgar. Approachable. Current. Consistent. Peer-Driven. Passionate.

Kenny Kane

Chief Executive Officer

Connor O’Leary

Chief Mission Officer

Matt Ferstler

Founder & Board Chair

Board of Directors

Matt Ferstler, Chairman of the Board

Justin Lindenmuth, President

Dennis Ferstler

Steve Gavers

Matthew Froestad

FAQs

 

What is the official Testicular Cancer Awareness Month?

The Men’s health arena has seen great strides in the last few years.  With the prominence of Movember in November, Men’s health month in June, and a handful of specialty cancer weeks throughout the year it can be hard to keep them all straight. While all of this is extremely important, Testicular Cancer Awareness Month can get lost in the shuffle. Although there are a handful of different references and sources for Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, we recognize April as the official Testicular Cancer Awareness Month.

What are Testicular Cancer Symptoms?

The most common signs of testicular cancer are lumps, swelling and/or pain in a testicle or in your scrotum. Usually lumps are painless or mildly uncomfortable, so don’t wait to feel pain before seeing a urologist or family doctor. Swelling or enlargement of a testicle or your scrotum can happen without a lump present, so if you’re experiencing anything out of the ordinary, you should have it checked out by a urologist or see your family doctor. [1]It’s important to know that some of the common symptoms of testicular cancer may not mean you have a cancer diagnosis. That said, if you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, we recommend you see a urologist or doctor immediately. If left unchecked, testicular cancer can spread to other parts of the body working its way up your torso.  If it spreads some guys will feel pain in their lower backs as it moves to their lymph nodes. If it reaches the lungs, symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or a cough—eventually coughing up blood—can occur. [1]

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen before you see your doctor. Even if you have testicular cancer, an early diagnosis can save your life.

What do I do if I detect a lump?

When a lump is detected—either by you or a physician—you should seek the opinion of a urologist as soon as possible. A urologist is a physician who has specialized knowledge and skill regarding problems of the male urinary tract and reproductive organs. Urologists usually recommend one or more of the following tests to confirm whether a lump is a sign of testicular cancer:

How is Testicular Cancer Diagnosed?

How is Testicular Cancer Diagnosed?When a lump is detected—either by you or a physician—you should seek the opinion of a urologist as soon as possible. Urologists usually recommend one or more of the following tests to confirm whether a lump is a sign of testicular cancer:

  • Ultrasound: Ultrasound tests use sound waves to help doctors create a “picture” of what’s going on in specific areas of the body. In this case, the ultrasound focuses on the testicles and scrotum, and can determine whether lumps are solid or fluid-filled, and whether they’re on or inside the testicle.

  • Blood Test: We all naturally have what are known as “tumor markers” in our blood. Tumor marker levels tend to be elevated when cancer is present, but they can be elevated for other reasons as well. High tumor marker levels don’t necessarily mean you have cancer, but they can help doctors make an accurate diagnosis.

  • Testicle Removal (orchiectomy): If your urologist has good reason to believe the lump is cancerous, surgery to remove the testicle may be recommended. This allows further examination and lab testing of the testicle to determine if the lump is indeed cancerous, and if it is, what kind of cancer is in play.[1]

Who is at risk for testicular cancer?

The short answer is any male with testicle(s). Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in males ages 15-34, although many cases fall outside these parameters. There is one male diagnosed every hour with testicular cancer. Risk Factor Myths (unproven/controversial risk factors):There are numerous myths and controversial activities that people believe contribute to the disease, including horseback riding, a prior injury or trauma to the testicles, cycling, and strenuous activity.Source: http://cancer.gov

OK. What is a COJONE?

Cojone is the singular of the Spanish word for testicles: Cojones. It is a special designation that TCF has given to survivors. etc.