Testicular Cancer Awareness
Everything you need to know to protect yourself and the men in your life. Early detection saves lives — and it starts with awareness.
Testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35 — yet most guys have never been told to check themselves. Unlike many cancers, testicular cancer is highly treatable when caught early, with a survival rate above 95%. But that number drops significantly when the cancer spreads before detection.
The problem isn't treatment. It's awareness. Many young men don't know the warning signs, don't know how to perform a self-exam, and feel uncomfortable talking about it. That stigma costs lives.
The Testicular Cancer Foundation exists to change that. Through education, community support, and awareness initiatives, we're making sure every man has the knowledge he needs to catch this disease early — when it's most beatable.
Every April, the testicular cancer community comes together to amplify awareness, share life-saving information, and encourage men to perform monthly self-examinations.
April Is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month
Throughout the month, TCF ramps up outreach through social media campaigns, educational events, partnership activations, and community fundraisers. Survivors share their stories, organizations host events, and advocates push to break the stigma around men's health.
How to Participate
Share TCF awareness content on social media. Host a fundraiser or awareness event in your community. Wear blue to show your support. Talk to the men in your life about self-exams. Join the Cojone Club to become a year-round advocate.
One of the most common questions we hear: What color represents testicular cancer? For the Testicular Cancer Foundation, the answer is clear — and it's blue.
Colors play a significant role in spreading a message. Pink is synonymous with breast cancer, gold shines for childhood cancer — and blue is the hue that embodies TCF's mission, identity, and commitment to fighting testicular cancer.
While purple has been embraced by many cancer awareness campaigns — diluting its specificity — TCF's choice of blue ensures testicular cancer stands out and gets the attention it deserves.
Read the full story →Men's Health Connection
Blue aligns with the broader men's health movement — from prostate cancer to Movember — creating a cohesive visual link that resonates with young men.
Distinct Identity
Purple is used across dozens of cancers. Blue gives testicular cancer its own identity — clear, bold, and impossible to overlook.
A Call to Action
Strong visual branding drives early detection. Blue breaks through the noise and encourages men to take their health seriously — when it matters most.
Whether you're wearing a wristband, sharing our content, or showing up in blue every April — the color is one of the easiest ways to spark a conversation that could save someone's life.
A monthly testicular self-exam takes less than two minutes and is the single most effective way to catch testicular cancer early. Here's how:
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1
Do it after a warm shower
The heat relaxes the scrotum, making it easier to feel anything unusual. Stand in front of a mirror if it helps.
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2
Examine one testicle at a time
Hold the testicle between your thumbs and fingers of both hands. Gently roll it, feeling the entire surface.
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3
Know what's normal
The epididymis — a soft, rope-like structure at the back — is normal. You're looking for hard lumps, smooth bumps, or changes in size or shape.
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4
If something feels off, see a doctor
Don't panic — most lumps are not cancer. But the only way to know for sure is to get checked. A quick ultrasound can give you answers.
Testicular cancer can affect anyone with testicles, but some factors increase the risk. Knowing them helps you stay vigilant.
Age (15–35)
Young men in their teens, 20s, and early 30s are at the highest risk.
Family History
Having a father or brother who had TC increases your risk significantly.
Undescended Testicle
A history of cryptorchidism is one of the strongest known risk factors.
Race & Ethnicity
White men are 4–5x more likely to develop testicular cancer.
Previous Diagnosis
TC in one testicle increases the risk of developing it in the other.
HIV
Men with HIV have a somewhat elevated risk. Regular checkups are key.
Knowing the signs means you can act fast. If you notice any of the following, don't wait — schedule an appointment with your doctor.
See a Doctor If You Notice
- A painless lump or swelling on either testicle
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
- Sudden buildup of fluid in the scrotum
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
- A noticeable change in size or firmness
Most of these symptoms have non-cancerous causes — like epididymitis or a hydrocele. But the only way to rule out cancer is to get checked. An ultrasound is painless and quick. Don't let embarrassment delay a potentially life-saving diagnosis.
Get Involved
Awareness doesn't stop at knowing the facts. Here's how you can make a real difference in the fight against testicular cancer.