June is Men’s Health Awareness Month, a good time to learn more about testicular cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, this type of cancer most often strikes men between the ages of 20 and 34. While it is a highly curable cancer, it’s important to know the warning signs.

Key symptoms of testicular cancer include:

• Seeing a lump or swelling in either testicle
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• A dull ache that occurs in the lower belly or groin
• Sudden swelling in the scrotum
• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
• Enlargement or tenderness of the breast tissue
• Pain in the back

If any of these symptoms last more than two weeks, be sure to see your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Finding testicular cancer early usually makes it easier to treat. Keep in mind that testicular cancer only happens in one testicle. According to the American Cancer Society, some of the risk factors for testicular cancer include:

• Having an undescended testicle, known as cryptorchidism.(If you’ve had surgery to move the testicle to the scrotum, your risk is still increased.)
• Being a young adult. Testicular cancer can happen at any age, but it is most common in teens and young adults.
• A history of testicular cancer that runs in your family.
• Having the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
• Being a non-Hispanic white male or of Native American descent

If it is not caught in time, testicular cancer can grow beyond the testicle. It most often spreads to the lymph nodes, liver and lungs. When testicular cancer spreads, it’s known as metastatic testicular cancer. This can be life-threatening, although survival rates are high compared to other cancers.

Doing regular self-exams for testicular cancer may help find it early. It’s a good idea to feel your testicles every few weeks and be on the lookout for other warning signs. Be sure to make an appointment with your healthcare team if you find anything unusual. If you do have cancer, waiting can allow it to spread. So, please see your doctor soon if you detect any symptoms.