Testicular Cancer: 1-Minute Self-Exam

Dek: Just one minute a month could make all the difference. A simple self-exam can help detect testicular cancer early, when it’s most treatable and could quite literally save your life.

Your 30s and 40s are often about building your career, supporting a family, and chasing goals and in the middle of it all, health can easily take a backseat. The last thing most men in this phase are thinking about is examining their testicles. But maybe it should be closer to the top of the list.

According to a 2025 study by The Ohio State University, cancer experts highlight that testicular self-exams are especially relevant for men between the ages of 20 and 40. This might come as a surprise, but testicular cancer is actually one of the most common cancers in young men.

Testicular cancer begins when abnormal cells in the testicles  start to grow uncontrollably. It typically affects just one testicle and is often marked by a lump, swelling, or a change in size or shape. There are different types, but the most common are germ cell tumors, which start in the cells that produce sperm.

Unlike many other cancers, testicular cancer doesn’t usually cause pain in its early stages, which means it can go unnoticed for a long time. That’s why regular self-exams are so important. They help you become familiar with your body and quickly spot anything unusual.

If you notice a lump or bump, a change in the testicle’s size, or even a feeling of heaviness or discomfort, don’t ignore it. These are signs to consult a doctor.

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Common Symptoms of Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer symptoms are often subtle :

• A lump or swelling in either testicle
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
• Sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
• Discomfort or pain, even if mild

Not all lumps are cancerous, but anything out of the ordinary should be checked by a doctor promptly. Also, self-exams are to be done every month, irrespective of the symptoms.

Related story: 5 Habits That May Increase Cancer Risk

One Minute Testicular Self-Exam

Best time: After a warm shower or bath because after a hot shower, the scrotal skin is relaxed, making it easier to feel anything unusual.

Step 1: Stand in front of a mirror

• Look for any swelling on the scrotal skin or noticeable size differences.

Step 2: Examine one testicle at a time

• Use both hands: Place your index and middle fingers underneath the testicle and your thumbs on top.
• Gently roll the testicle between your fingers and check for:
  • Hard lumps (can be pea-sized or larger)
  • Smooth, rounded bumps
  • Changes in size, shape, or consistency

Step 3: Identify normal structures

• Don’t mistake the epididymis (a soft, coiled tube at the back of the testicle that stores sperm) for a lump.
• Testicles are normally not perfectly symmetrical and one may hang lower than the other: that’s okay.

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Knowledge is power. The earlier testicular cancer is detected, the higher the chances of a full recovery. In fact, the survival rate for early-stage testicular cancer is over 95 percent. And all it takes is one minute of awareness, once a month.

And all it takes is one minute of awareness, once a month. This small act of self-care can help you stay connected to your body and catch potential warning signs before they become serious. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it could save your life. The key is consistency: knowing what’s normal for you makes it easier to notice when something changes.

​​Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

Regular health checks are essential for everyone, but they are particularly important for individuals who are at risk of or already have any underlying condition. Taking regular health checks can help detect the condition at an early stage when it is easier to manage and treat. With the UR.Life HRA, we help you to invest in your well-being through seamless interventions and targeted medical treatments. Our holistic wellness approach caters to all aspects of your well-being. We ensure that you can bring your whole self to work.

With our medical professionals by your side, routine health check-ups will never be an issue. Advanced laboratory technologies back UR.Life’s Occupational Health Centers (OHC), and with highly qualified experts/technicians, we’re committed to delivering trusted and quality recommendations, modifications and advice to you.