With special guest:
- Mr Gideon Blecher
This is a topic that is not often raised in polite company or even on talkback radio.
Many men would be reluctant to discuss testicular cancer even with their doctor. This is despite about 700 men being diagnosed in Australia every year, and in men aged 18-39 it is the second most common form of cancer.
In this program we go to the Expert Reviewer for Andrology Australia Mr Gideon Blecher to find out what we should know. And there is some good news to pass on. Gideon refers to Lance Armstrong who developed this form of cancer before his later Tour de France exploits. We are told that Armstrong is a great example to show that even when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body modern treatment can lead to a full recovery.
The starting point is testicular self-examination which might be compared with the practice of women for many years of checking their breasts for lumps or swellings. A good time to do this would be after a bath or shower and if there is any change to how the testes feel normally then see your local GP straight away.
Mr Blecher takes us through in a straightforward man to man way, starting with the risk factors then proceeding to diagnosis and treatment. If there is one major message from Mr Blecher it is to not delay going to your doctor if you find any abnormality. Of course a lump may not mean testicular cancer because there are other less serious conditions that could be the cause. It is best to know.
Good news? There is no evidence that injury or sporting strains, life-style (for example diet) or sexual activity are linked with testicular cancer. For more of the real facts and some good news about the cure rate listen in to this week’s expert guest on a topic of major importance.
Mr Gideon Blecher
Mr Gideon Blecher is an Australian urologist who is passionate about Andrology and Urological Oncology. He obtained his FRACS Urol qualifications in 2015 subsequent to his MBBS (Hons) at Monash University. He is currently undertaking a Robotic Urological Oncology fellowship at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Trust in London UK. He is actively involved in Andrology Australia as a reviewer and is currently working with Monash University medical school writing for the on-line AXM medical education program. He has been an instructor on the EMST/ATLS for 8 years and enjoys his teaching roles, following on from years as both a swimming and skiing instructor as well as youth leader.
Song selection by our guest: Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton