Borussia Dortmund forward Sebastien Haller was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer. The 28-year-old left his former club Ajax and joined BVB in July, doing particularly well in the Champions league, scoring 11 goals in eight games.
However, Haller fell sick during pre-season training at his new club, with medical examinations confirming his cancer diagnosis.
“Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller had to leave the BVB training camp in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland, early due to illness and has already traveled back to Dortmund,” read the official website of the club.
“The 28-year-old international from the Ivory Coast complained of being unwell after training on Monday morning.
“In the course of intensive medical examinations, a tumor was finally discovered in the testicles during the course of the day. During the coming days, further examinations will take place in a specialized medical center.
“Borussia Dortmund asks that the privacy of the player and his family be respected and that no questions be asked. As soon as we have further information, we will inform you in consultation with the player.”
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Currently, the forward has completed the first step of his treatment. He recently tweeted a photo from his hospital bed in Germany. It showed him smiling and giving a thumbs up.
What is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer occurs in the testes or the testicles, which are located in the scrotum. These help produce male sex hormones and sperm, which help in reproduction.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), cancer begins when cells start to grow abnormally. This can occur in any part of the body including the testicles.
As per the health body, the testicles are made up of many types of cells, each of which can develop into one or more types of cancer. Having said that, there can be different types of testicular cancer, which includes germ cell tumors and stromal tumors.
How common is testicular cancer in young men?
Testicular cancer is said to be a very rare disease. However, the Mayo Clinic notes testicular cancer affects teens and younger men, particularly those between ages 15 and 35.
As per the ACS, the average age at the time of diagnosis of testicular cancer is about 33. This is largely a disease of young and middle-aged men, but about 6% of cases occur in children and teens, and about 8% occur in men over the age of 55, notes the health body.
As per reports, testicular cancer accounts for 0.3 per cent of all cancers and ranks 31 among all cancers in India.
Early signs to watch out for
Pain, discomfort, or numbness in a testicle or the scrotum, with or without swelling is one of the most common signs of testicular cancer.
Additionally, cancer of the testicles can also lead to certain lumps in either of the testicles, leading to enlargement. It can cause heaviness in the scrotum, a dull ache in the abdomen and the groin and can also lead to back pain.
Are you at risk?
Scientists are yet to determine the exact cause of testicular cancer, however according to the UK’s National Health Services (NHS), there are several factors that could increase a man’s risk of developing the disease.
Undescended testicles is one of the most common risk factors, as per the health body. It is a common childhood condition where a boy’s testicles are not in their usual place in the scrotum.
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A family history of testicular cancer can also increase one’s risk of the illness. Furthermore, men who have previously been diagnosed with testicular cancer are between 12 and 18 times more likely to develop it in the other testicle, according to the NHS.
Early diagnosis is key
While there are no ways to prevent testicular cancer, doctors recommend going for regular screenings and conducting self examination to identify it at an early stage.
However, the best way to diagnose a testicular cancer early is by visiting a healthcare professional and asking them to examine your testicles as part of your routine physical exam.
How to do a self-exam?
To do a self-exam, the WebMD recommends the following step:
– Do the exam after a warm shower or bath as it helps relax the skin of the scrotum, making it easier to feel anything abnormal.
– It is important to use both hands.
– Make sure you do not confuse the epididymis, which is a cord-like structure on top and in back of the testicle, with a lump.
– Feel for any lumps. It can be small or large and may often be painless.
