Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.
Skip to Main ContentThe payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.
Re-activateI've heard that regularly examining my testicles is a good way to check for cancer. How often should I do that, and what's the proper technique? —E.H., Burlington, Vt.
Monthly self-exams are an easy way to help men spot cancer and other testicular disorders early, when they're most treatable. That's particularly important for men at high risk of that otherwise uncommon cancer because of a family history of the disease.
The best time for the exam is during or after a shower or bath. One at a time, gently but firmly roll each testicle between the thumbs and fingers of both hands, feeling its entire surface through the skin of the scrotum. Normal testicles should generally feel firm but not hard, and they'll have some minor irregularities. Contact your doctor if you feel pain, tenderness, or swelling, which may signal infection or fluid buildup, or any hard lumps, which may indicate a cyst or cancer.
Testicular cancer is rare—about 8,250 in the U.S. men get testicular cancer each year. Read more about what happens when you have testicular cancer and find out which treatments work best (subscribers only).
Build & Buy Car Buying Service
Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience.
Get Ratings on the go and compare
while you shop
