April Is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, and there’s no better time for a reminder of how important it is to continue to get the word out about this disease.

That’s why we’ve put together this collection of educational tidbits and suggestions to mark the month. Whether you’re a patient, a survivor, a caregiver, or just someone who’s curious about testicular cancer, we hope you’ll find something here to take with you – and maybe pass on to someone else.

So break out your TCF wristbands and help us spread the word!

Testicular Cancer Month Fast Facts

When: April

Founded: 2009

Goal: Spread the word about testicular cancer and save lives

TCF: Fighting The Good Fight Against Testicular Cancer 

Testicular Cancer Foundation (TCF) was founded the same year as Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, and the goal from our start back in 2009 was the same as it is today – to save lives. That’s why during this month (and every other month for that matter) our team of survivors, caregivers, and advocates works hard to make sure we’re getting the word out.

Testicular cancer is a disease that most commonly targets young men. This is a stage of life that makes it particularly difficult for patients to fathom, let alone deal with, such a serious diagnosis. We were all in that boat ourselves at one point, which is why we understand the challenges so well. And it’s how we know that education and support are the two things that every patient desperately needs.

That’s why we’ve been committed since our founding to providing the most thorough and up-to-date testicular cancer educational resources available – from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. Just as importantly, we’ve tried to be a port in the storm for patients, survivors, and their families by creating a community where we can all come together to share this experience – so that nobody has to face testicular cancer alone.

We’ve met so many amazing people over the years, and we’re proud of what we’ve built. But we’re nowhere near the end. We know how important this work is, so as long as testicular cancer is around, we plan to be here doing it.

TCF continues to stand as a guiding light for men navigating one of the toughest battles of their lives. From our earliest days, we’ve been relentless in raising awareness, providing unwavering support, and building a community that ensures no man has to face testicular cancer alone. 

Our mission is simple but vital – to educate, empower, and save lives – and we’re more committed than ever to seeing it through. There’s still work to be done, and with the support of our community, our partners, and survivors everywhere, we’re just getting started.” – Matt Ferstler, Founder – Testicular Cancer Foundation

Testicular Cancer Awareness: How to Get Involved

Testicular Cancer Awareness Month serves as a great reminder of all the ways you can get involved in the fight. Whether testicular cancer has personally touched you or someone you know, or you just like supporting causes that can help save lives, there are plenty of ways to help out – this month and beyond!

  • Get informed about testicular cancer. Because testicular cancer doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, education is one of the greatest weapons we have in this fight. Read up on the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options from whatever reputable source you can find (the TCF website is a great place to start) – and be sure to share what you learn with others.
  • Participate in a fundraiser – or start your own: There are plenty of organizations and charities that raise funds for testicular cancer research throughout the year – and during Testicular Cancer Awareness Month in particular – through a variety of events. But if nothing out there fits your taste or schedule, you can always start your own fundraiser!
  • Share on social media: Social media is a great way to connect with fellow patients, survivors, or caregivers to share experiences, build community, and pass along resources and references. Check out TCF’s Facebook page or our group for women.
  • Donate: Making a donation to TCF or any other testicular cancer-related charity is a way to put your money behind the quest for more research and greater awareness. You can even rep TCF with a logo T-shirt, sweatshirt, or hat!
  • Talk about it: The whole point of a dedicated awareness month is to get people talking about testicular cancer – and that goes for everyone from patients and survivors to caregivers and family members. But it’s also about young men talking with their doctors and with one another (FYI, our weekly Zoom support calls are a great place for this). Learn the facts and spread the word!

TCF is the leader in the testicular cancer support space, setting the standard for critical information, education, and early detection. They’re teaching men how to perform self-checks, helping them find it early when it’s most treatable, and, most importantly, creating a supportive community for young guys facing this diagnosis – a network that makes all the difference. This incredible team brings genuine dedication to their work, offering knowledge, support, and a place to belong.” – Jonny Imerman, Founder – Imerman Angels

The Lowdown: Just the Facts on Testicular Cancer

Because education is such a big part of what we do here at TCF, we think a great way to mark Testicular Cancer Awareness Month is with a quick introduction to – or reminder of – the key facts surrounding testicular cancer.

What is testicular cancer?

Testicular cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of one or both testicles – the male sex glands that produce testosterone and sperm. 

Possible symptoms of testicular cancer

Testicular cancer symptoms may include:

  • A testicular lump or swelling in one or both testicles
  • A feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the scrotum
  • Pain or ache in the lower abdomen or back
  • Changes in the size or shape of the testicles 

This is where this unexpected journey starts for so many men, including for those in our many survivor stories – discovering a symptom. If you notice any of these symptoms or any unusual changes, you should seek medical attention right away. That increases your odds of catching the disease early – and greatly increases your chances of survival.

Diagnosing testicular cancer

Diagnosis

Testicular cancer can be diagnosed through various methods, including:

  • Physical examination: A healthcare provider checks for lumps or abnormalities.
  • Ultrasound: This imaging test helps visualize the testicles and detect any tumors.
  • Blood tests: These tests measure tumor markers that can indicate the presence of cancer.
  • Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. 

Treating testicular cancer

Treatment for testicular cancer depends on the type and stage of the disease. Common treatments include:

  • Surgery: The affected testicle may be removed in a procedure called an orchiectomy.
  • Radiation therapy: Used primarily for seminomas (a germ cell tumor of the testicle), this treatment targets cancer cells. Radiation is generally delivered once a day for five days a week over the course of two or three weeks. 
  • Chemotherapy: This class of drug is used to kill cancer cells or stop their growth, especially for nonseminomas. Chemotherapy is typically administered through an IV infusion for several hours, a few times a week, in several cycles that last three or four weeks each.

A cycle typically consists of daily treatment with two or more chemotherapy drugs for one week, followed by two weeks of rest to let the body recover. The cycles may be repeated several times over a period of three to six months.

Chemotherapy drugs may also be taken by mouth daily for a couple of weeks followed by a week of rest – a cycle that may also be repeated over several months.

For a long time, a testicular cancer diagnosis was pretty much a death sentence, with a survival rate of just five percent. But that was before one of the true pioneers in the treatment of testicular cancer came along. 

Dr. Lawrence Einhorn helped develop a protocol centered on cisplatin-based chemotherapy. A significant shift from previous, less effective treatments, Dr. Einhorn’s regimen offered new hope to those diagnosed with metastatic testicular cancer. And it still does today!

And how about this for a lasting legacy? Thanks to Dr. Einhorn’s protocol, the average survival rate today stands at an amazing 95 percent! That’s a huge piece of good news to remember during Testicular Cancer Awareness Month!

Prognosis for testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer – as noted above, when detected early, the survival rate is very high and most men can return to their normal, active lives.

Testicular Cancer – By the Numbers

Estimated number of men living with testicular cancer in the U.S. (2021): 299,845

5-year relative survival rate: 95.0%

Percentage of new cases in the 20 – 34 age group: 51.5% 

Percentage of new cases in the 35 – 44 age group: 24.5% 

Median age at diagnosis: 33

Source: National Cancer Institute

Early Detection of Testicular Cancer Saves Lives

We’ll say it again – when it comes to testicular cancer, early detection saves lives. And while some risk factors are beyond your control, there are several steps you can take to catch it early, including:

  1. Regular Self-Exams: What better time than April to start a regimen of monthly testicular cancer self-exams to help detect any changes or abnormalities early? It’s a simple procedure that involves checking for lumps or swelling in the testicles. Need some guidance? Order a free testicular exam shower card to keep on hand as a reminder of the importance of regular self-exams. 
  2. Medical Check-Ups: Regular doctor check-ups can help monitor testicular cancer risk and quickly address any concerns.
  3. Cancer Screening: For those at higher risk, such as those with a family history or previous testicular cancer, regular testicular cancer screening can help detect the disease early.

Don’t Go it Alone: The Power of Community in Surviving Testicular Cancer

One of the most significant things we’ve found in working with the testicular cancer community – and one that bears repeating during Testicular Cancer Awareness Month – is the importance of support for those navigating this battle and those around them.

We hear stories from survivors all the time about how lonely and isolated and confused they felt when they got their diagnosis – and how uplifting it was to find a group of people who had experienced or were experiencing the same things. Because mental and emotional health are just as much a part of this journey as physical wellbeing.

From trading stories to sharing resources to just having someone who really understands the journey you’re on, finding a strong, supportive testicular cancer community is a vital part of getting through this. And that goes for family members and caregivers too. After all, we all need someone to lean on.

“Find support wherever you can find it, in whatever capacity.” – Justin Birckbichler, A Ballsy Sense of Tumor

Join Us At The TCF Summit This Testicular Cancer Awareness Month!

Looking for a great way to cap off Testicular Cancer Awareness Month? Every year, we observe this important period by hosting our signature event, the TCF Summit! And it’s not too late to make your plans to join us at the Four Seasons in Las Vegas this year for three days packed with everything you’ve read about here, including…

  • Powerful testimonials from survivors and caregivers.
  • Education and information on long-term survivorship, the caregiver experience, sexual health, life after testicular cancer, and much more from experts in the field.
  • Support from and community with people who have lived or are living the same experience you are.

This is the one you don’t want to miss. Register today! And if you want to pay it forward for someone who might not be able to afford the trip on their own, you can even sponsor an attendee to the Summit

The TCF Summit: Where bonds are built, stories are shared, and hope is reignited. 

“[The TCF Summit] was a powerful experience that made me feel like I was part of something special.” – Past TCF Summit attendee

Top Testicular Cancer Awareness Month Takeaway

Everything we’ve done at TCF over the years has been inspired by the same overarching goal – to save lives. That’s why our top takeaway for this and every other Testicular Cancer Awareness Month going forward is the same: LEARN HOW TO PERFORM A SELF-EXAM. See below – and pass it on!

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