International Men’s Day 2026 : Testicular Cancer

3rd November 2026

Statistics

According to Cancer Research 2300 men in the UK are diagnosed in total each year
Statistics from NI Cancer Registry indicate that an average of 67 men per year are diagnosed with testicular cancer in Northern Ireland.
45% of testicular cancer cases in Northern Ireland are in men below the age of 34.
Testicular cancer made up 1.2% of all male cancers
5 year survival for early stage cancer is 99%

Risk factors for testicular cancer include:

Undescended testis in childhood
Family history – father or brothers who have had testicular cancer
A previous diagnosis of testicular cancer

Symptoms of testicular cancer can be:

Lump or swelling in one testicle
A testicle that gets bigger
Heavy scrotum
Discomfort or pain in the testicle
Change in texture

If you have any of these symptoms you should arrange a consultation with your own GP. Differential diagnosis can be varicocele, cyst, torsion, epididymitis or calcification. Most testicular symptoms turn out not to be cancer but it is always important to be checked out.

We advise that all men practice testicular self-examination on a monthly basis:

Best performed after a hot bath or shower
Roll the testicles between the thumb and fingers of both hands
It is normal for one testicle to be bigger, and to hang lower than the other
Check for any swelling/firmness/lump that is unusual for you. You should not feel any pain when examining.
Become familiar with the epididymis (soft tube behind testicle) so you don’t mistake it for a suspicious lump

If you discover any changes to your testes we urge you to visit your GP promptly.

Friends of the Cancer Centre’s “Talking Balls” Campaign can be accessed at www.friendsof thecancercentre.com. You can download their information pack or order self-check cards.

The following websites may be helpful:

International Men’s Day 2026 : Testicular Cancer

bWell Belfast