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Most guys in their twenties and thirties feel pretty unstoppable, assuming serious health issues are decades away. The recent diagnosis of OKC Thunder player Nikola Topic underscores how testicular cancer can afflict otherwise healthy, young men.

“Testicular cancer is a scary diagnosis for a young man to receive but there are signs you can spot to get diagnosed and treated early,” says Laila Babar, M.D., a medical oncologist with INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute Southwest. “Recognizing changes in your body is the first step toward getting help. The good news is that testicular cancer is highly treatable when diagnosed earlier.”

Most common in young men aged 15-35, testicular cancer is a unique health concern for this typically healthy age range.

• Testicular cancer occurs when cells in the testicle divide abnormally and form a tumor, which usually starts as a painless lump.
• One or both testicles can be affected by abnormal cell growth.

Early symptoms to notice

Symptoms can vary, but staying vigilant about physical changes is always the first step.

• Not all lumps indicate cancer, but they require checking.
• Pain isn’t always present in the early stages.
• Symptoms can sometimes mimic other conditions, like infection or injury.

A lump or swelling in one testicle is often the first thing men notice in the shower. It might feel like a pea-sized hardening that doesn’t hurt when touched.

Spotting a symptom

Doctors use a combination of physical examinations and advanced technology to determine the cause. A testicular cancer diagnosis is straightforward and usually moves quickly once you report a symptom.

Treatment for testicular cancer depends on the type and stage of the disease. Early-stage cancer often requires less aggressive treatment and may only need active surveillance. This approach involves regular scans and blood tests to ensure cancer hasn’t returned.

Early detection leads to a survival rate of over 95 percent for localized cancers. The numbers are overwhelmingly on your side when you act fast.

• Prompt treatment prevents spread to lymph nodes or lungs.
• Recovery times are generally shorter for early stages.
• Long-term quality of life is better preserved.

Take action

INTEGRIS Health encourages Oklahomans to know the signs of testicular cancer and act if you spot any changes in your body. Don’t wait for “later” if something feels off today. If you find a lump or feel pain, make an appointment to rule out testicular cancer. Delaying allows the condition to progress unchecked.