Testicular Cancer: Screening

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 08/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will find out more about screening for testicular cancer. You will also learn the risks and benefits of screening. Use the menu to see other pages.

Screening is used to look for cancer before you have any symptoms or signs. Scientists have developed, and continue to develop, tests that can be used to screen a person for specific types of cancer. The overall goals of cancer screening are to:

  • Lower the number of people who die from the disease, or eliminate deaths from cancer altogether

  • Lower the number of people who develop the disease

Learn more about the basics of cancer screening.

Screening information for testicular cancer

Most often, testicular cancer can be found at an early stage. Many people find the cancer themselves while performing a self-examination. Or a sexual partner may notice a change that leads to a diagnosis.

Some doctors recommend a monthly self-examination to find any changes from age 15 to 55. Monthly testicular self-examinations, performed after a warm shower, can help find the cancer at an early stage, when it is more likely to be successfully treated. People who notice a lump, hardness, enlargement, pain, or any other change in 1 or both of their testicles should visit their doctor immediately.

The next section in this guide is Symptoms and Signs. It explains what changes or medical problems testicular cancer can cause. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.