Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men

Testicular cancer is the #1 cancer in younger guys. But good news: it's highly curable when caught early. Guys across the world are getting to know their nuts and you can too.

This Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, learn how to give your nuts a feel. Get to know what's normal for you. So if you notice a change - or that something doesn't feel right - you'll know to act on it.

Check your testicles in three easy steps

Step 1: Steam.

An illustration of a pear (which looks like a pair of testicles) in the shower

Warm up in a steamy shower. This relaxes and loosens your nuts, getting them ready to be checked.

Step 2: Roll.

An illustration of a hand feeling a pear (which looks like a pair of testicles)

With your thumb and finger, roll one testicle to get to know what’s normal for you. Check for any changes or anything painful.

Step 3: Repeat.

Now repeat with the other nut.

What to look for during a self-check

Your nuts should feel smooth and firm. Sensitive, but not painful. Get familiar with them so you have a baseline. Then look for unusual changes over time. Stuff like swelling, a lump on your testicle or changes in size, shape or consistency. It’s important to note that unusual swelling or soreness doesn’t automatically mean something's wrong.

Guide to checking your nuts

Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer

Common signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include a hard lump on your testicle or unusual soreness. Other testicular cancer symptoms can include the feeling of heaviness in your scrotum (nut sack) or a dull ache or ongoing pain in your testicles, groin or lower back.

Get the facts about testicular cancer

When to see a doctor

Found unexpected roughness or a lump on your testicle? Noticed a change in the size or shape of your nuts? Are they sore to touch? Time to tee up a visit to the doctor. When caught early, testicular cancer is highly curable.

What to expect in a check-up

Fraser's advice after having testicular cancer

Fraser's advice after having testicular cancer

Don’t let luck decide what your outcome is. Listen to your body and trust your gut. Even if you’re not sure something is wrong, make that appointment and play it safe.

That first checkup or test can be uncomfortable, but early detection in testicular (and other) cancers can make a life-or-death difference to your prognosis.