Lets talk about the sensitive stuff: Testicular Cancer

There are lots of sensitive topics men don't like to talk about when it comes to their health. From erectile dysfunction to hormonal imbalances to problems with their testicles, it can all feel a bit awkward. But reproductive health issues can impact anyone, no matter how much we may try to ignore them or pretend something is nothing.

There are lots of reproductive health concerns that are specific to male sex organs

1 in 8 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. 52% of men will be affected by erectile dysfunction at some point in their lifetime. These numbers are too big to ignore.

On top of this, lots of other health conditions affect men at a higher rate than women. Men account for three quarters of premature deaths from heart disease, are twice as likely to die from drug or alcohol abuse. Men are three times more likely to die from suicide.

Despite these very real health concerns, we often find working aged men are reluctant to visits the GP when they feel unwell. Up to 75% of men admit to putting off going to the doctor when they feel ill or think something is not quite right. Everyone’s heard it before, but we want to remind you that the sooner you speak to a doctor or professional about something that might be wrong, more often than not, the easier whatever your health issue is will be treat or to manage in the long run.

One particularly sensitive area most men prefer to avoid talking about is their testicular health

Around 2,400 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer every year in the UK, making it relatively uncommon compared to other types of cancer.

Testicular cancer is unique in that it tends to affect younger men. It is actually the most common type of cancer to be diagnosed in men between 15 and 47 years old.

Fortunately for many, testicular cancer is one of most treatable types of cancer and there is often a positive outlook for people diagnosed. However, the earlier the cancer is caught, the easier it is to treat so it's so important for individuals to check their testicles to spot any signs or symptoms early on. ?

See a GP or speak to a doctor straight away if you notice a lump or any other changes to your testicles

The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a lump or swelling on one of the testicles. The lump is usually around the size of a pea but could be larger.

Other symptoms can be a sharp or dull ache in one testicle, your testicles feeling heavy or firm, changes in how your testicle looks or any change in the shape or texture of the testicles.

It’s important to be aware of what your testicles look and feel like normally, so you can identify any changes and know what look's or feel's abnormal to you.

Self-checks for testicular cancer are simple and straightforward. All you have to do is feel around your scrotum for any lumps or changes that may be present. If you notice anything out of the ordinary or something that feels different than it did before, get it checked out by a doctor right away or speak to your Fertifa Patient Advisor who can help you with next steps.

Now more than ever, employers need to step up when it comes to offering proactive health support

We know that reproductive health can be difficult to navigate from a professional perspective, especially if you’ve not experienced men’s health issues yourself.

But as the stats in this article show, it's men who you employ who are going to face these health challenges. It's men of working age.

By supporting your employees with any and all health concerns they may face, not only will you be creating a workplace where people feel supported, people who are healthy in their working environment are more likely to deliver high-quality work. Win win.

Download our managers guide to men’s health to learn more about how you can support your teams with men’s health concerns.?