June 15 (Day 107) Be A Man... Self Exam

June 14th - 20th is Men's Health Week!  Every year Men's Health Week concludes on Father's Day and it is a time to encourage those men in our lives ... both young and old, to make the right choices to improve their lives, wellbeing and all areas of their physical, mental and emotional health.  To that end, today's post will highlight a cause that is sensitive and some might find embarrassing to talk about... Do all the men in your life a favor and make sure they have this information. You could save their life! 

The Sean Kimerling Testicular Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of testicular cancer and the need for regular self-examination. Our goal is to increase early detection of testicular cancer. We seek to ensure that young men are aware of the disease and have the information they need to conduct regular self-examinations, recognize possible warning signs, and seek medical help without embarrassment or fear of stigmatization.

The Foundation was established in memory of Sean Kimerling, the Emmy Award-winning anchor of WB 11 sports and pre-game announcer for the Mets. Sean died from testicular cancer on September 9, 2003. He was only 37.


Young men most at risk


Testicular cancer most often affects men between the ages of 15 and 40. However, men of any age, including infants and the elderly can develop testicular cancer.


The Importance of Self-Examination


The vast majority of testicular tumors are discovered by men themselves, either by accident or by performing the self-examination procedure. In fact, one research report found that only 4% of all testicular tumors are discovered by physicians, usually when they are performing an exam for other reasons. As a result, regular self-examination is essential.

The Exam

The testicular self-examination, or TSE, is a quick, simple, painless, exam that men can perform on themselves in the privacy of their own home. All men should perform the exam once a month. The exam takes only about three minutes to properly perform. By performing it regularly, you will become familiar with your anatomy and better able to recognize changes.

The best time to perform the TSE is during or immediately after a warm shower or bath. The warm water relaxes the skin on the scrotum, making it easier to perform the TSE. Also, your fingers will more easily glide over soapy skin, making it easier to concentrate on the texture underneath and increasing the likelihood that you will feel any lumps or nodules on your testicles.

Click here for resources available explaining how to perform a self-exam including a video (computer generated graphics, non sexual content). 
 
Ways You Can Help:

Support the Cause... Donate Now.
Get Involved... Other ways to help.

Make sure you pass this information along to every man in your life. Testicular cancer is very cureable is caught early!



Source:  Sean Kimerling Foundation