ArcaMax

When cyclist Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996 at age 25, people were shocked that someone so young could have the disease. Well, most people haven't learned much about the condition since then, according to a new survey by the Ohio State University Comprehensive CANCER Center. They found that only 13% of folks know that testicular cancer is most common in men 20 to 40 years old. And two-thirds of men think they should start getting exams for testicular cancer once they are 40, not younger.

That's why experts are spreading the word that young men should do monthly self-exams to check for lumps or bumps or changes to the size of a testicle (testicular cancer doesn't usually cause symptoms). Fortunately, when caught early, it is usually curable.

If it hasn't spread outside the testicle, removing the testicle, and sometimes radiation, is recommended. For more advanced forms, chemotherapy may be used. Once treatment has been deemed effective, for 15% to 20% of patients, the cancer comes back, usually in the lymph nodes. More radiation or chemo can usually cure the cancer. So, just as women do breast checks and get a doctor's breast exam, younger men should check themselves and get a doctor's check-up to screen for testicular cancer.

More info on preventing cancer and protecting your fertility: Tamp down body-wide inflammation with a plant-based diet, avoid added sugars and stripped carbohydrates, enjoy physical activity and good sleep habits. And tune into my Substack at https://substack.com/@michaelfroizenmd for news on health, happiness and longevity.

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.

(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.