Everyone has heard that it is important for women to do monthly self-breast exams.

But many men don't realize that it is equally important for them to do monthly self-exams -- of their testicles.

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35. It can be difficult for healthy young men to envision this happening to them. It certainly was for Lance Armstrong, the most prominent young man to have a testicular cancer diagnosis.

It is estimated there are 7,500 new cases of testicular cancer each year. In general, rates of this type of cancer in the world have almost doubled in the last 40 years. The good news is that testicular cancer is almost always curable if it is found early.

Starting at age 15, monthly self-exams of the testicles are an effective way of getting to know this area of your body and thus detecting testicular cancer at an early -- and very curable -- stage.

The causes of testicular cancer are not well understood. Congenital abnormalities, hormonal drugs, certain diseases and heredity have been suggested.

Men who have an undescended or partially descended testicle are known to be at higher risk.

Most testicular cancers are found by men themselves, either as a painless lump, hardening or changing in size of the testicle, or pain in the testicle.

Other signs of testicular cancer to keep in mind are: a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, a dull ache in the lower abdomen or in the groin, sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum, pain or discomfort in the scrotum, or enlargement or tenderness of the breasts.

Some of these symptoms may be a sign of another disease, but they should ALWAYS be evaluated by a medical practitioner.

Don't mess with a lump, swelling or pain in your testicles -- get it checked out!

Although examining your testicles may feel awkward at first, it is easy to learn.

It may be best performed after a warm bath or shower that relaxes the scrotum, making it easier to spot anything abnormal.

Stand in front of a mirror. Check for any swelling on the scrotal skin. Examine each testicle with both hands. Place the index and middle fingers under the testicle with the thumbs placed on top. Roll the testicle gently between the thumbs and fingers with a gentle pressure that does not cause pain.

Normal testicles usually feel smooth and spongy. Learn to recognize the epididymis, the soft, ropelike, tubular structure that runs along the back of the testicle. This structure collects and carries sperm. If you are familiar with it before the exam, you won't mistake it for a suspicious growth.

What you are looking for is any pea-sized lumps, pain or other irregularities. Cancerous lumps usually are found on the sides of the testicle but can also appear on the front.

Examine both testicles regularly at least once a month. If you feel a lump or any pain or discomfort when performing the exam, make an appointment to see a medical practitioner.

The current treatment of testicular tumors depends on the type and stage of the disease.

The preferred treatment is usually an "orchiectomy" or surgical removal of the affected testicle. In some cases, it may be used together with radiation or chemotherapy. Removal of a testicle does not cause impotence.

Men often delay seeking medical attention because of the mildness of the typical early symptoms. They may believe because the lump is painless that it is also harmless or that it will go away by itself.

Remember, only your medical practitioner can make a positive diagnosis or rule it out.

Don't let embarrassment delay evaluation. Most often, early medical attention will lead to the assurance that cancer is not present.

However, when cancer is found, early detection translates to a very high cure rate.

At University Health Services, male clinicians offer Men's Health visits for this and other male health concerns. Call 863-0774 to make an appointment or 863-4463 to speak with an advice nurse.

The clinician will repeat the testicular exam and may order follow-up tests, such as an ultrasound, for further evaluation.

Your clinician will also refer you to a specialist when indicated.