Men’s health: What you need to know about prostate and testicular cancer

When it comes to our health, it's easy to put things off, especially when we're feeling well or a symptom seems minor. But knowing what's normal for your body, understanding your family history and getting changes checked can make a real difference.

Two important areas of men's health are prostate and testicular cancer. They affect men at different stages of life, and knowing what to look out for and when to seek advice is a good place to start.

Whether you're reading this for yourself or for a partner, friend or whānau member, here's what you need to know.

Know your normal and when to get checked

Testicular health

Testicular cancer is most common in younger men and is highly treatable, particularly when found early. So, it's important to know how your testicles normally look and feel.

How to check

A warm shower or bath is a good time to check, when the skin of your scrotum is relaxed.

• Gently roll each testicle between your thumb and fingers.
• Feel for any lumps, swelling or changes in size, shape or firmness.
• Remember, it's normal for one testicle to be slightly larger or hang lower than the other. You may also feel a soft, tube-like structure behind each testicle (the epididymis).
  

Changes to watch for

• A lump or swelling in a testicle
• A change in size, shape or feel
• An ache, discomfort or feeling of heaviness in the scrotum

There's no routine testicular cancer screening programme in New Zealand. The key is to be aware of any changes and get them checked.

Noticed a change? Book an appointment with your GP or nurse practitioner (NP). Lumps are often painless, so don't wait for something to hurt before getting it checked.

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Prostate health

What to look out for

Early prostate cancer often has no symptoms at all. If symptoms do appear, changes to look out for include:

• Blood in your urine (pee) or semen
• Difficulty peeing or a weaker flow
• Needing to pee more often, especially at night
• Pain or discomfort when peeing

These symptoms are often caused by conditions other than cancer, but it's important to get them checked.

What about PSA blood tests?

New Zealand doesn't have a national prostate cancer screening programme. However, you can talk to your GP or NP about whether a PSA blood test is right for you.

If you've noticed any symptoms or changes in your urinary health, or have a family history of prostate cancer, talk to your GP or nurse practitioner (NP).

Even if you're feeling well, it's worth discussing prostate cancer testing with your GP or NP from around age 50. They can help you understand your individual risk and whether a PSA blood test is right for you.

Know your family history

If your father, brother or another close relative has had prostate, testicular or other cancers, let your GP or nurse practitioner know.

Family history can increase your risk of developing some cancers. Sharing this information helps our team understand your risk and advise you on appropriate checks or testing.

If you're not sure about your family history, it's worth asking your whānau.

There’s nothing to be embarrassed about

We know talking about testicular or prostate health can feel uncomfortable, but these are everyday conversations for our healthcare teams. We're here to help, without judgement.

If you've noticed a change, have questions about your risk or want to know what checks are right for you, don't put it off. Book a confidential appointment with your GP or NP.

And if there's a man in your life who's been putting off getting checked, encourage him to make an appointment. Sometimes a little encouragement is all it takes.

Learn more about men's health and the services available at The Doctors

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