TOLL FREE:  

1-866-611-2665

HOW TO CATCH TESTICULAR CANCER EARLY

There are a number of great initiatives that shine a spotlight on men’s health. These programs are important because they encourage men to take a serious look at their health, both physical and mental, and be aware of changes. And, seek help right away if anything has changed.

For a disease like testicular cancer, it’s especially important. It is the most common cancer in young Canadian men aged 15-35, but when caught and treated early the average survival rate is 97%, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. That’s why it’s important to be aware of your health and talk to your health care practitioner about any questions or concerns. The rate of men diagnosed with testicular cancer has doubled in the last 50 years, so knowing your risk factors and seeking early treatment is key.

WHAT IS TESTICULAR CANCER?

Testicular cancer starts as an abnormal growth or tumour that develops in the cells of one or both of the testicles. These cells can change and no longer grow or behave normally, leading to benign or cancerous tumours. There are several types of testicular cancer, but the most common is a germ cell tumour.

WHO IS AT RISK?

An estimated 1,200 Canadian men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer in Canada in 2022. An estimated 35 will die.

Well-documented risk factors for this disease include:

  • Men from 15-35 years.
  • Men with a family history of cancer, such as a brother or father diagnosed with testicular cancer.
  • Men who have had a previous occurrence of testicular cancer.
  • Men who have undescended testes at birth.

For other possible risk factors, please visit the Canadian Cancer Society.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR?

First, it’s important to find out what’s normal for you. Find a warm environment and roll your testicles between your thumb and fingers to check for lumps or swelling. They should be smooth, firm, and comfortable to touch. It’s normal if one testicle is slightly bigger than the other, or if one hangs lower than the other.

The following are signs of abnormalities:

  • Pain to the touch, or generalized pain.
  • Swelling or lumps.
  • Testicles feel heavier than usual or have changed in shape or size.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU FIND SOMETHING?

Most lumps and bumps on your testicles are not cancer, but testicular cancer is a highly treatable cancer and can often be cured, if diagnosed early. If something doesn’t feel right, talk to your doctor.

If your doctor determines there is an abnormality, he or she may send you for a medical imaging exam. An ultrasound is the best and quickest way to see testicular masses and in most cases the diagnosis is pretty straightforward. For more information on the preparation and procedure for this scan, please visit the scrotum ultrasound exam page.

After an ultrasound has confirmed a diagnosis, a pelvic computed tomography (CT) scan is often requested to check for any metastatic lesions, most commonly in the lymph nodes. After treatment, repeated CT scans may again be requested, along with blood tests to check for certain hormones, to examine the response to treatment.

Mayfair offers ultrasound imaging at 13 locations in Calgary, and one location in Cochrane and one in Regina. CT scans are performed at our Mayfair Place location.

 

REFERENCES

Canadian Cancer Society (2021) “What is testicular cancer?” www.cancer.ca. Accessed November 1, 2021.

Healthwise Staff (2021) “Testicular Cancer.” www.myhealth.alberta.ca. Accessed November 1, 2021.

Healthwise Staff (2021) “Testicular Examination and Testicular Self-Examination.” www.myhealth.alberta.ca. Accessed November 1, 2021.

Moreno, C. C. (2015) “Testicular Tumors: What Radiologists Need to Know – Differential Diagnosis, Staging, and Management.” RadioGraphics, 35 (2): 400-415. Accessed November 1, 2021.

Movember Canada (2021) “Testicular Cancer.” www.movember.com. Accessed November 1, 2021.

Related Articles

Mayfair Diagnostics

Calgary, Cochrane, Regina

TOLL FREE: 1-866-611-2665

Online Appointment Request

What We Do

At the heart of everything we do is a belief that every image tells a story—and every story deserves care.

At Mayfair Diagnostics, we provide state-of-the-art medical imaging that helps patients and physicians get the clarity they need to make informed decisions about health. From routine check-ups to complex diagnoses, our role is to deliver answers with compassion and accuracy.

We offer a full spectrum of imaging services, including:

  • MRI, CT, and X-Ray for advanced diagnostic insight

  • Ultrasound and Mammography for preventative and women’s health

  • Nuclear Medicine, Bone Density, and Cardiac Imaging for specialized care

  • Pain Management and Interventional Procedures to improve quality of life

But our work extends beyond exams and equipment. As the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada, we connect urban, rural, and remote communities with expert radiology services—ensuring access to care when and where it’s needed most.

We also partner with local organizations, sports teams, and community groups to keep people healthy and active. From professional athletes to families booking their first screening, our commitment is the same: timely results, advanced technology, and compassionate care.

Who We Are.

To improve lives with clarity, compassion, and care—one focused image at a time.

But numbers only tell part of the story. What truly defines us is our culture of compassion. We’re a team of caregivers, innovators, and problem-solvers who share a commitment to excellence. Whether supporting frontline care, developing new technology workflows, or guiding a patient through their appointment, we approach our work with empathy and integrity.

At Mayfair, you’re not just part of a company—you’re part of a community. Together, we’re shaping the future of health care, making advanced imaging accessible, and creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.

The Inside Story

WHO WE ARE. WHAT WE DO. Why we’re more than a workplace

At Mayfair Diagnostics, we’re caregivers, nurturers, creators and thought leaders—deeply rooted in a passion to help people. We deliver meaningful work, compassionate care, and an environment where every team member can thrive.

Key Points:

  • Founded on over a century of excellence in medical imaging.

  • Owned and operated by 50+ radiologists, supported by 400–640+ employees across clinical, technical, administrative, and support roles.

  • Operating 17 locations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and beyond (14 in Calgary, plus Cochrane, Regina, Saskatoon).

  • Serving 600,000–700,000 patients annually, delivering over 90,000 radiological interpretations—the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada.

Vision & Mission:

  • Vision: “A world in which every person has clarity about their health.”

  • Mission: “To improve people’s lives, one focused image and one caring, compassionate human touch at a time.”