'Learn more about testicular cancer' ahead of cancer awareness week

Confidential helpline is offered by the National Orchid Male Cancer charity Credit: PA

Men in Cumbria are being advised to get checked, as Male Cancer Awareness Week begins on Monday 17th of April.

The charity, Orchid, and doctors at Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are encouraging local residents to learn more about the symptoms of testicular cancer.

They say the most common type of cancer for men between 15 and 45 years of age, is testicular cancer, affecting more than 2,200 men each year.

Symptoms for testicular cancer include:

  • In around 90% of cases a small pea sized lump can be found

  • An ache in the scrotum

  • A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum

Although 96% of abnormalities found affecting the testicles are not cancerous, doctors say you should still consult with your GP.

The main factors that can increase a man’s chance of developing testicular cancer include:

  • Undescended testicles (when the testicle does not descend into the scrotum)

  • A family history of testicular cancer

  • Previous been diagnoses of testicular cancer

You can talk to someone confidentially on the National Orchid Male Cancer Helpline on 0808 802 0010. It is a free service operating between Monday and Wednesday from 10am to 5pm.