Mostly Men

TESTICULAR CANCER

This is the most common form of cancer in young men in the UK between the ages of 19 and 44. The good news, however, is that it is easily treated if caught at an early stage and a simple, regular self-check can detect the early signs of the disease.

A good place to do this is in, or immediately after, a bath or shower, when the muscle in the scrotal sac is more relaxed.

Remember, if you are aware of how your testicles feel you are more likely to notice a difference.

Symptoms -

The first sign is usually a swelling of one of the testicles or a pea-sized hard lump on the front of a testicle. Occasionally there may be a dull ache or possibly even acute pain.

How to check....

1. Hold your scrotum in the palms of your hands.
2. Roll your scrotal sack between your thumb and fingers to feel for hard lumps.
3. Feel each testicle and if you think you feel a lump in one, compare it to the other, as it is unusual to develop cancer in both testicles.
4. Remember it is common to have one testicle slightly larger or which hangs lower than the other but any noticeable increase in size or weight may mean something is wrong.

What if you notice a change?

Consult a doctor as soon as possible. Do not wait to see if it goes away! Most lumps found by self-examination are benign, in other words not cancerous, but they all need to be checked out.

• For further help and info call CancerBACUP (0808 800 1234).This information helpline is staffed by cancer specialist nurses and is covered from 9am-8pm Monday-Friday.

IMPOTENCE

Impotence is when a man cannot achieve or maintain an erection. Virtually all men will experience this problem at sometime. There are many possible causes - stress, tiredness, excess alcohol or drugs to name a few.

Some men find that impotence happens regularly and this may be due to the reasons mentioned before or there may be a medical or psychological problem. Sometimes it may simply be that there is not enough foreplay. Society introduces many pressures as it 'expects' men to be able to perform.

• For further help and info - contact your Doctor.

PREGNANCY

Men are often ignored when it comes to pregnancy. If you find out that the woman you have been seeing, or even just had a one night stand with is pregnant, you may want to talk about it. Try and talk about it with the woman involved and discuss the various options.

• For further help and info contact your Doctor or Brook Advisory Centre (0117 929 0090).