Young Man’s Guide to Testicular Cancer: Why ‘Feel Something, Say Something’ Matters
5 min. read
Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute
When it comes to men’s health, the conversation is often dominated by heart disease or prostate cancer. While those are vital topics, there is a specific health concern that disproportionately affects younger men: testicular cancer.
During a recent episode of Baptist HealthTalk, host Anthony Gonzalez, M.D., chief of surgery for Baptist Health Baptist Hospital and medical director of Bariatric Surgery at Baptist Health, sat down with Justin M. Dubin, M.D., urologist and director of Men’s Sexual Health at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, to dispel the myths surrounding men's cancers.
One of the most striking takeaways from their discussion is that testicular cancer is the most common malignancy in men between the ages of 15 and 35.
However, as Dr. Gonzalez reminded listeners: "Risk does not mean destiny." With early detection, testicular cancer is one of the most treatable and curable forms of the disease. Here is what every man needs to know about staying proactive.
Understanding the Statistics
It is a common misconception that cancer is exclusively an "older person’s disease." While it is true that many cancers are more common as we get older, testicular cancer follows a different pattern.
"Testicle cancer is actually the most common cancer in men from the ages of 15 to 35," noted Dr. Dubin. "It is quite rare still, but things that you can do include doing exams on yourself."
Because it hits during the prime of a man’s life—school, starting a career, or raising young children—it is easy for symptoms to be dismissed as sports injuries or minor strains. Understanding that this demographic is the primary target for this specific cancer is the first step in prevention.
Unlike many internal cancers that require complex imaging or blood tests for an initial "red flag," testicular cancer is often detectable through a simple self-physical exam. Dr. Dubin advocates for a "feel something, say something" approach.
How to Perform a Self-Exam
The goal of a self-exam is to become familiar with what is normal for your body so that you can quickly identify any changes. Dr. Dubin offers a practical strategy for when and how to perform this check:
- Timing: "Usually a hot shower, hot bath, where everything's relaxed," Dr. Dubin suggests. The heat relaxes the scrotum, making it easier to feel for abnormalities.
- Frequency: You don't need to do this daily. Checking once a month or once every few months is sufficient to maintain a baseline of your health.
- What to Look For: You are feeling for lumps, bumps, or irregularities.
"If you feel a lump, bump, abnormality, or irregularity — or size difference between your two testicles — you should go talk to a doctor about it," says Dr. Dubin.
Overcoming the ‘Doctor Dread’
A significant barrier to men’s health is the tendency to avoid the doctor's office until a symptom becomes debilitating. The physicians discussed how "the feared digital rectal exam" (DRE) often scared men away from prostate screenings. While the DRE is no longer mandatory for many prostate screenings, the takeaway for testicular health is similar: Don't let fear or embarrassment delay a life-saving visit.
A urologist or primary care physician is trained to evaluate these concerns objectively. If you find a lump, it does not automatically mean you have cancer; it could be a cyst, an infection, hydrocele or a varicocele (enlarged veins). However, only a medical professional can make that distinction.
The Role of HPV and Men’s Health
The conversation also touched on a virus often mistakenly associated only with women: the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). While HPV is a primary cause of cervical cancer, it also poses a significant risk to men.
Dr. Dubin clarified that HPV can lead to several types of cancer in men, including penile cancer, anal cancer, and oropharyngeal (throat) cancer.
Dr. Dubin pointed out that there are more than 12,000 cases a year of men developing throat cancer due to HPV. Beyond one's own health, getting vaccinated helps protect partners.
"We recommend boys and girls getting the vaccine for this exact reason... we're preventing cancer, we're preventing warts, and we're preventing transmission to other people," Dr. Dubin explained. "The cutoff for men is actually 45 years old... it’s never too late."
Life After Treatment: A Focus on Quality
One of the most encouraging aspects of modern oncology is the focus on "survivorship" — ensuring that life after cancer is as healthy and fulfilling as it was before. For men who have undergone treatment for testicular or other cancers, concerns about testosterone levels and sexual health are common.
Dr. Dubin emphasized that having a history of cancer can put men at a higher risk for low testosterone, but that this is a manageable condition.
"What I tell my patients is this: cancer sucks; life after cancer shouldn't have to," said Dr. Dubin. "You've done the hard part. You've overcome the hard part and now it's time to bounce back into your life and continue living your best one."
He noted that for many men, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a safe and effective way to improve bone health, energy, and libido after cancer treatment is complete, provided they are monitored by a urologist.
Taking the First Step Today
Prevention doesn't always mean a complicated medical procedure. Often, it starts with a simple lifestyle shift and a commitment to regular check-ups. Dr. Gonzalez summarized the proactive steps men should take:
- Check the PSA: A simple blood test for prostate health.
- Check the testicles: Monthly self-exams.
- Check the vitals: Monitoring hormone levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
The final piece of advice from the experts is the simplest of all: Go to the doctor. "The simplest thing that you can do that guys are not doing: go to a doctor," Dr. Dubin urged. "Whether it's a urologist, a primary care doctor, go see a doctor on a regular basis. That's the best way to screen for diseases, screen for cancer, and do preventative care."
Testicular cancer is highly treatable, but time is of the essence. By taking five minutes in the shower once a month to perform a self-exam, you are taking control of your future, Dr. Dubin emphasizes. If you find something unusual, don't wait — schedule an appointment.
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Justin Dubin, MD
Justin M. Dubin, M.D., is a board-certified urologist and director of Men’s Sexual Health at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute. He specializes in male infertility and sexual health, treating conditions such as erectile dysfunction, Peyronie's disease, ejaculatory disorders, testicle pain, low testosterone, varicoceles and other male genitalia issues.
Prior to joining Baptist Health, Dr. Dubin was a men’s health specialist at Memorial Healthcare System in Hollywood, Florida.
Dr. Dubin earned his medical degree at Rutgers – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. He completed a urology residency at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and an andrology fellowship at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Dr. Dubin has published his research work on male infertility and sexual health in numerous medical journals and presented at scientific conferences. He also serves as a reviewer for numerous peer-reviewed medical publications.
Dr. Dubin strives to help men understand that the issues they face are normal and find solutions that fit their lifestyle and goals. To help men feel comfortable talking about their issues, he talks openly with them and avoids complicated medical terminology, so they can clearly understand the diagnoses and treatment plans.
When Dr. Dubin is not treating patients, conducting research or educating the community, he enjoys working out, watching sports, especially football, watching films, reading and traveling.
Anthony Michael Gonzalez, MD
Anthony Gonzalez, M.D., FACS, FASMBS, is chief of surgery at Baptist Hospital of Miami and medical director of bariatric surgery at South Miami Hospital. He is also a member of Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 180 physicians in multiple specialties closely aligned with Baptist Health South Florida.
Dr. Gonzalez is a general surgeon with a specialty in laparoscopic and bariatric surgery. He has presented at national and international medical conferences on bariatric, abdominal, colon and robotic surgery. Dr. Gonzalez is founding program director of Baptist Health's MIS/Bariatric Surgery Fellowship. He has published in medical journals, including the official journal of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Hernia and the Journal of Obesity Surgery. Dr. Gonzalez is a senior member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons and Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Gonzalez is a graduate of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. He is an associate professor of surgery at Florida International University's Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and a voluntary assistant professor of surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
