Are Your Skinny Jeans Giving You testicular Cancer?

One in ten men reports discomfort when wearing skinny jeans. Is there a clear link between this experience and the occurrence of testicular cancer?

The answer is: No, there is no adequate scientific proof to link skinny jeans and cancer.

Doctors worldwide still link tight jeans to infertility and testicle damage. A study by the fertility research centre of Universities of Manchester and Sheffield discovered that wearing tight briefs does affect the count of healthy sperm, versus wearers of loose boxer shorts.

While there is no solid link between skinny jeans and testicular cancer, science has proven some known risk factors for the reproductive organ cancer. For example, men born with undescended testicles are more prone to develop testicular cancer. It is also hereditary: if one’s father or brother has had the illness; he stands a higher chance of developing it too.

To understand this type of cancer, it helps to be familiar with the structure and function of the testicles. In adult males, a testicle is slightly smaller than the size of a golf ball. Each testicle is confined within a bag-like skin structure called the scrotum.

To do a self-check, hold the testicle between your thumbs and fingers, rolling it gently. Look out for any hard lumps, smooth rounded bumps or change in the size, shape or consistency of the testicles.

Other signs to look out for during a self-check are:

• Painless lump or swelling on either testicle
• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or scrotum
• Change in the way a testicle feels or “heaviness” in the scrotum
• Dull ache in lower abdomen or groin
• Sudden build-up of fluid in the scrotum

If any signs are present, set up an appointment with your doctor or specialist for a proper medical check-up and diagnosis.

There are two treatments for testicular cancer, depending on the type and level of growth.

• Surgery: removes the entire affected testicle to avoid the risk of the cancer spreading to other organs. A mass of malignant or growing testicular tissue can only be removed by surgery.
• Chemotherapy: slows down the growth of cancer cells, to prevent them from dividing and multiplying further. A few cycles of chemotherapy are required to completely eradicate it. This would be suitable for growths that are benign, which pose less harm than malignant ones.

Testicular cancer is not unavoidable but curable when detected early. Here are some things you can do to lower the risk of getting testicular cancer:

• Loosey Goosey:
  Wear loose underwear and pants and to leave plenty of room around the groin area for sufficient comfort without restricting movement. Remember, your organs were not made to be kept constrained!
  
• Eat & Live Well:
  Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. No matter your circumstances, having a balanced nutritional plan, working out regularly and quitting smoking is always good for your body.
• Taking Care of your Little Buddies:
  Finally – don’t be ashamed of taking care of your little buddies. On your monthly self-checks, remember to take note of the usual size, shape and feel of your testicles.

Early detection is key, the age-old adage remains true - the earlier the diagnosis, the better the result.

References :
http://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/09/eye-early-warning-signs
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/testicularcancer/detailedguide/testicular-cancer-what-is-testicular-cancer
http://imunews.imu.edu.my/health/introduction-testicular-cancer/
http://www.abc.net.au/health/talkinghealth/factbuster/stories/2011/07/07/3262723.htm
http://www.webmd.boots.com/men/news/20120716/skinny-jeans-risk-testicle-damage
http://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/testicular-cancer/symptoms-and-signs
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/testicularcancer/do-i-have-testicular-cancer
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2012/08/testicular-cancer-is-very-curable/

The above articles are intended for informational purposes only. AIA accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from reliance on information contained in the articles.