Testicular cancer is a big taboo among our men, while the disease is more common than previously thought. It is the most common cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35 and the number of people with testicular cancer in the Netherlands has more than doubled over the past twenty years.

It is therefore super important to discuss the subject and to encourage men to check their testes every month.

All men over the age of 15 should have their testes regularly checked for testicular cancer. Men whose testicles have not descended or have descended too late - ie not before birth - are at an increased risk. Men who have previously had testicular cancer have a slightly higher chance of developing testicular cancer again. It can also occur in several men in one family.

What is a myth is that testicular cancer can be caused by masturbation. Also, testicular cancer is not a venereal disease and therefore it can do no harm if sperm enters the partner's body during sex.

How do you do the research?

When is it useful to call in the doctor?

• If you feel a hard lump (not every lump has to mean something bad)
• If one testicle feels heavier or harder than the other
• With nagging pain in the lower abdomen or groin
• With pain in the testicle itself
• With blood in the semen