Cancer is a disease that can affect anyone. It is caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the body, leading to the formation of tumors. While cancer is often associated with older adults, it can also affect young men.

In fact, certain types of cancer, such as testicular cancer, are more common in younger men. The good news is that many cancers can be detected early through self-examination, which can lead to better treatment outcomes. In this article, we will discuss how young men can detect cancer through self-examination.

Types of cancer that affect young men:

While many types of cancer can affect young men, there are a few that are more common in this age group. These include:.

Testicular cancer: This type of cancer affects the testicles, which are the glands that produce sperm and testosterone. Testicular cancer is most common in men aged 15 to 35. Symptoms may include a lump in the testicle, swelling or discomfort in the scrotum, and pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or groin area.
Prostate cancer: This type of cancer affects the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer is most common in older men, but it can also affect younger men. Symptoms may include difficulty urinating, frequent urination, pain or discomfort during urination, and blood in the urine or semen.
Colon cancer: This type of cancer affects the colon, which is part of the large intestine. While colon cancer is more common in older adults, it can also affect younger men. Symptoms may include changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.

How to perform a testicular self-exam:

Testicular self-exams should be performed at least once a month. This can help you detect any changes in your testicles early on and seek medical attention if needed. Here are the steps to perform a testicular self-exam:.

Stand in front of a mirror and check for any swelling or changes in the skin on your scrotum.
Hold your penis out of the way and examine each testicle separately.
Gently roll each testicle between your thumb and fingers, feeling for any lumps, bumps, or changes in texture.
Repeat the process on the other testicle.

If you notice any changes during your self-exam, such as a lump or bump, swelling, or pain, it’s important to see a doctor right away. These could be symptoms of testicular cancer or another health condition that needs treatment.

How to perform a prostate self-exam:

While there is no consensus on whether men should perform prostate self-exams, you can still be aware of any changes in your prostate by paying attention to the symptoms and seeing a doctor if needed.

Here are some steps to perform a prostate self-exam:.

Lie on your side with your knees pulled up towards your chest.
Using a lubricated finger, gently insert it into your rectum.
Feel for any lumps, bumps, or changes in texture in your prostate gland.
Repeat the process on the other side.

If you notice any changes during your self-exam, such as pain or discomfort, it’s important to see a doctor right away. These could be symptoms of prostate cancer or another health condition that needs treatment.

How to reduce your risk of cancer:

While cancer can’t always be prevented, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:.

Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help reduce your risk of cancer.
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of certain types of cancer, so it’s important to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help reduce your risk of cancer and improve your overall health and well-being.
Stay sun-safe: Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, so it’s important to protect yourself from the sun by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and avoiding tanning beds.
Limit alcohol and tobacco use: Both alcohol and tobacco use have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, so it’s important to limit or avoid these substances.

Conclusion:

While cancer can be a scary diagnosis, detecting it early through self-examination can lead to better treatment outcomes.

Young men should be aware of the types of cancer that can affect them and perform regular self-exams to detect any changes early on. If you notice any changes during your self-exam or experience symptoms of cancer, it’s important to see a doctor right away.

By taking steps to reduce your risk of cancer and being vigilant about your health, you can help protect yourself from this disease.