Testicular Cancer Screening

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

Testicular Cancer Information

Testicular Cancer Screening: An Overview

Testicular cancer screening is the process of testing for early signs of the disease before symptoms are present. There are currently no tests available for testicular cancer screening. Therefore, most doctors recommend a testicular self exam on a monthly basis to check for testicular cancer. 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 testicular 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 very effective (70 percent of late-stage testicular cancer is cured).

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