“Test’icules” day in Neuchâtel and elsewhere in French-speaking Switzerland. The Jospeh Barnes association offered a free and anonymous screening day this Saturday. A urologist was available to passers-by while the screenings were carried out with the support of hospitals in Lausanne, Bienne and Bern.
Beyond these testing possibilities, the objective is above all to provide information in order to promote diagnosis early enough to allow a cure.
Testicular cancer is a malignant tumor that forms in the male organs that produce sperm and testosterone. Although it is relatively rare, it mainly affects men in an age group ranging from 15 to around 40 years old. If detected early enough, the chances of recovery are high. Symptoms usually include a testicular growth, pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or groin, or a change in the size of the testicle. A self-examination is recommended to detect possible abnormalities. Sanjeev Vamadevan, urologist, explains that the ideal time for self-screening is “in the shower”. The specialist emphasizes that it is “not necessary to do this every day, but that it is a matter of palpating and feeling the testicles every two weeks, going from top to bottom and from right to left.” in order to detect an irregularity or an anomaly, for example something that is hard. If this is the case: “You should be alarmed and consult your GP. »
A sensitive subject
Male virility does not encourage men to address these themes. The presence in the street of a stand allowing free and anonymous testing makes it possible to raise the subject: “we don’t necessarily feel uncomfortable” when approaching passers-by, explains Nicolas Meyer, communications manager for the Joseph Barnes association. “But it’s a pretty special subject. And what is interesting is that when we approach a couple, it is often the partner who encourages the other to get tested.” /aju
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