Testicular Cancer Screening

At this time, there are no tests available to screen for testicular cancer. Most doctors recommend that men perform a monthly testicular self-exam. In the case of testicular cancer, screening has not been widely studied, in part because treatment for the disease tends to be highly effective (70 percent of late-stage testicular cancer is cured).

Testicular Cancer Information

Are There Screening Tests for Testicular Cancer?

Testicular cancer screening is the process of testing for early signs of the disease before symptoms are present. There are currently no tests available that screen for testicular cancer. Therefore, most healthcare providers recommend a testicular self-exam on a monthly basis to check for the disease. This is especially important for men in their 20s and 30s.

How Effective Is Testicular Cancer Screening?

The answer to this question is that

testicular cancer research scientists do not know. No studies have been done to determine whether self-examination or examination during routine physicals can help reduce the number of deaths caused by testicular cancer. This is in part due to the fact that even without good testicular cancer screening tests, treatment at all stages is quite effective (70 percent of late-stage testicular cancer cases are cured).

If you think that you may be at risk for testicular cancer, you should talk with your healthcare provider, who may be able to suggest ways to reduce your risk and can plan a schedule for checkups and possible screening.