Protect Your Junk: The ‘Must-ache’ Questions
How much good can a moustache do?
The Movember at November Project gave bros an activist reason to grow their moustaches to the full and unrestricted beauty that the upper lip demands. According to the website (us.movember.com), facially-hirsute participants were asked to “use the power of the moustache to create conversations about men’s health and to raise funds for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health.”
Seeing as I’m devoting an entire column to the cause, I would say that (at least in this capacity), the Movember Project was a success — at least for those who were lucky enough to encounter a mustachioed man with a cause last month.
But what about those who hang with a clean-shaven crew? What shall we do about those who have yet to learn the important nuances of prostate and testicular cancer? (I realize completely I skipped mental health, but given the breadth of that topic I’m going to devote a whole column to that cause in the near future. Promise.)
Below is some important info to keep you up to date on some vital parts below the belt.
So prostate. Explain.
Just like testicles, the prostate is a male-specific gland located below the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum that “protects and nourishes sperm cells in semen, making it more liquid.” That’s via the American Cancer Society. Several types of cells are found in the prostate, but almost all prostate cancers develop from the gland cells. Most often, prostate cancer occurs in men over the age of 50.
And testes. Pretty sure I’m aware, but just in case …
Testicles are two organs contained within the scrotum, which hang beneath the base of the penis. Testes produce male hormones and sperm, and are made up of several types of cells, including germ cells, where 90 percent of testicular cancers develop.
Tumors can also develop in the stroma of the testicles — the hormone-producing and supportive tissues. And although they are not technically classified as testicular cancers, tumors can start in another organ and spread to the testicles.
So I should probably get tested, yeah?
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men. Although serious, most men diagnosed with prostate cancer survive. Most prostate cancer can be found in its early stages with a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test.
“Most testicular cancers occur in men between the ages of 20 and 34,” reads the American Cancer Society’s webpage. Most cancers start with an often-painless lump on a testicle, swelling, or a “heaviness or achiness in the lower abdomen.”
Men over the age of 50 should get a regular prostate cancer screening test every year, but if you notice any lumps or swelling in your testicles, schedule up with a doc right away.
