Key symptoms of testicular cancer as groundbreaking study reveals nearly half of men unaware

Despite testicular cancer being one of the most common among young men, there is still a stigma attached to it.

Although there are plenty of campaigns and adverts about testicular cancer, with Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool even urging men to 'touch themselves' if it means spotting symptoms early, there are still lots of men who find it difficult to talk about what's going on downstairs.

Around one percent of all new cancer cases in the UK are testicular cancer, with around 2,400 new cases every year, according to Cancer Research UK, and yet many men still don't know what they should be looking for.

A groundbreaking new survey has now revealed that nearly half of men are unaware when they have testicular cancer.

So what are the symptoms that we need to be aware of when it comes to keeping our testicles untroubled?

It's vital to keep checking your own balls (Oddballs)

According to the NHS, the main symptoms of testicular cancer can be noticed at home, as you will likely see a lump or swelling in your testicles, while it getting bigger also isn't something to be celebrated.

You may also noticed an ache or pain in your testicle or scrotum, which may also feel heavy or hard to the touch.

The symptoms aren't just limited to your testicles however, as other signs might include back or stomach pain, losing weight without trying, a cough, difficulty breathing or swallowing and a sore or swollen chest.

The research by health charity the Oddballs Foundation also revealed that over half (53 percent) of British blokes don’t regularly check their testicles, while 40 percent admit they wouldn’t feel confident recognising the key symptoms of testicular cancer or knowing what to look out for.

How men should regularly be checking their testicles (Oddballs Foundation)

Even more concerningly, one in five (21 percent) say they would only seek medical advice if symptoms didn’t go away, and 68 percent admit fear or embarrassment could stop them going to a GP immediately if they found something unusual.

To raise awareness, the Oddballs Foundation has created a pricey sculpture of a pair of men's privates made of 500 high-grade crystal stones dubbed the 'Real Crown Jewels'.

The point is that our own crown jewels are just as valuable, so we should be taking steps to protect them from cancer.

Kieran Kelly, Managing Director at The OddBalls Foundation, said: “Every year in the UK, more than 2,000 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer. The reality is that when it’s caught early, it’s highly treatable — but our research shows too many men still aren’t checking themselves or don’t know what to look for.

Oddballs has created a crystal sculpture of a pair of balls to make a point (The Oddballs Foundation)

“We protect the real Crown Jewels with armed guards and bulletproof glass — we’re just asking men to give theirs 30 seconds of attention in the shower. It could save their life.”

Of course, the danger with cancer is that it can spread quickly if it goes untreated, as one unfortunate student discovered in the US after his back pain turned into over 50 cancerous tumours, with the 21-year-old later given a testicular cancer diagnosis.

The OddBalls Foundation recommends men check themselves monthly by gently rolling each testicle between their fingers to look for any changes in size, shape or texture.