October 2018

Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Testicular Cancer?

Testicular cancer may not be on the top of your mind. But knowing the risks and being aware of signs and symptoms can help prevent serious progression of the disease. Test your knowledge and see if you know how to keep yourself healthy:

1. Who is at risk for testicular cancer?

a. Men older than 65
b. Men aged 20 to 34
c. Men older than 40
d. None of the above
e. All men

2. What are the risks for testicular cancer?

a. Family history of testicular cancer
b. HIV infection
c. Being a white man from the U.S. or Europe
d. Tall height
e. Undescended testicle
f. All of the above

3. Where does testicular cancer start?

a. Cells that make testosterone
b. Cells that make sperm
c. Cells that make estrogen
d. Cells that make insulin
e. All of the above

4. What are the signs of testicular cancer?

a. Swollen or heavy scrotum
b. Painless lump in the testicle
c. Pain in the testicle or scrotum
d. Ache in the lower abdomen or groin
e. All of the above

5. How can you catch testicular cancer?

a. Yearly exam by a doctor
b. Yearly self-exam
c. Monthly exam by a doctor
d. Monthly self-exam
e. None of the above

Answers

1. D: It’s a misconception that only older men are at risk for testicular cancer. The disease affects everyone—even infants. In fact, half of all testicular cancer patients are men ages 20 to 34.

2. F: Studies suggest that multiple factors play a role in a man’s risk for developing testicular cancer.

3. B: More than 90 percent of testicular cancer cases develop in the cells that makes sperm, called germ cells. 

4. E: Watch out for these symptoms. The earlier testicular cancer is caught, the better chance you have of keeping your fertility.

5. D: Do self-exams once a month during or after a bath or shower. Check each testicle at a time, holding it between your thumbs and fingers of both hands and rolling slowly. Pay attention to any changes in consistency, size, or shape of the testicles. In addition, be on the lookout for smooth rounded bumps and hard lumps. See your doctor if you find anything out of the ordinary.