Manchester is the cancer capital of England. Death rates from the disease are higher than anywhere else in the country.
There are many reasons for this such as poor lifestyles and people going to see their GP too late. But one thing is certain: this is a situation which cannot carry on.
Unless this current generation starts to take stock, this sorry picture could get even worse.
Fortunately, thanks to pioneering work at places like the Christie, treatments are getting better and survival rates are improving all the time. But the best cure of all has to be to not get the disease in the first place and there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of cancer.
| Checking for Testicular Cancer // |
|
Testicular cancer is the most common for of cancer in men between the aged of 15 and 45. Currently about 2000 men develop the disease every year in the UK. Fortunately, up to 99% of testicular cancers can be cured if caught at an early stage. Even when these tumours spread they can still be cured in approximately 95% of cases. Testicular cancer normally presents itself as a lump in the testicle and regular examination of the testicle can, in most instances, detect testicular cancer at an early stage. If you do find a lump in your testicles, you should visit your GP, who will arrange for further investigations to be carried out. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should also go and see your doctor:
A guide to self examination. Here's how to do it. You should do this regularly and you'll probably find that its easier after a warm bath or shower as the scrotal skin will be more relaxed. 
Most lumps found on the testicles are benign, but if you do sport any changes in size, shape or weight, you should report these to your GP. 
Support the scrotum in the palm of your hand and become familiar with the size and weight of each testicle. 
Examine each testicle by rolling it between your finger and thumb. Press gently to feel for lumps, swellings, or changes in firmness. 
Remember each testicle has an epididymis tube at the top which carries sperm to the penis. Don't panic if you feel this – it is normal. |