Mens Health

For most men, attending university is not the most, shall we say, healthful of experiences.

Your liver will take such a battering that it will raise a white flag two weeks in, your sleep patterns will be non-existent and your four major food groups will consist of kebabs, Pot Noodle, crisps and curry.

Men in general rarely give a toss about their health. Men at uni? Even less so.

Why? Many men won’t set foot in a surgery as it might be seen as challenging their masculinity. Or they’re in denial. Or embarrassed. Or think that they can take care of it themselves. Which is understandable, really. But when it comes to life and death, perhaps a bit silly. (If anyone has effective home cures for STDs, testicular cancer or stroke, please let us know.)

No one enjoys hearing the words “bend over and cough.” But think of the alternative: testicular cancer. A sobering study in the UK reveals that almost half of men aged 15-34 have never had a feel “down there” for irregularities. Best start now, chaps. And you can see below for how to do it.

Or might we prescribe a simple remedy? Make an appointment for a check-up at your local surgery, post haste. You’ll feel much better for it.

Testicular cancer checks

Testicular cancer isn’t your grandfather’s problem. It
strikes boys as young as 15 and is the most common type of cancer in young men aged 20-35. It normally shows up as a lump in or enlargement of either of your testicals or scrotum and symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness or achiness in your abdomen, groin or scrotum; fluid collection in the scrotum; or sudden tenderness or changes in your man boobs.

But the good news is, it can be treated and, in many cases, cured if you catch the signs early. And besides, we know that young men regularly perform the Jedi Hand Trick anyway, so why not check below the light sabre?

Here’s how:

1. Have a warm shower or bath. That way your skin will be relaxed.
2. Cup your “boys” gently in your hand and feel the weight of each testicle

3. Very carefully (duh, as if we need to tell you) examine each testicle by rolling them between your finger and thumb. Softly press in to feel if there are any changes, swelling, lumps etc.
4. Unless it’s more unusual than normal, don’t freak out if you feel a tube-like thing at the top of each testicle. That’s called the epididymis and it’s responsible for carrying your sperm to your penis.
5. If you do come across any abnormalities or if you’re concerned, do contact your GP immediately. Remember, this is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about.

For further information contact the Action Against Male Cancer
for information and support or The Prostate Cancer Charity confidential helpline 0845 300 8383.