The following is a continuing series of educational articles regarding the health care services available at Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center in Leitchfield, brought to you weekly by the hospital and the News-Gazette as a public service to the community.

This year, an estimated 637,500 American men and boys will be diagnosed with cancer. More than half of those handed this devastating news will beat the disease.

There are three male-only cancers--prostate, testicular, and penile. Men have a higher incidence than women of other cancers such as lung, liver, bladder an d kidney cancer.

Because early detection is the key to long-term survival with most cancers, regular screening in at-risk populations and vigilant attention to changes in one's own body are supremely important.

Because June is designated as national Men's Health Month, "Your Health, Your Hospital" columns this month are targeting men's health issues. The focus of last week's information was Prostate Cancer. This week's information concerns testicular and penile cancer.

Testicular Cancer

The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 7,500 new cases of testicular cancer identified this year.

Testicular cancer is often detected early because of symptoms such as a swelling of a testicle or development of a lump in a testicle. Men may experience a feeling of heaviness or aching in the groin or lower abdomen area.

While more than 60% of cancers are diagnosed in people over 55 years of age, testicular cancer can strike young adults. Testicular cancer is the most common solid tumor in men between the ages of 25 and 35 years.

Physicians will usually examine the testicles during general exams just as women perform breast self-exams.

Penile Cancer

Some 1,200 American men will be diagnosed with penile cancer this year. Penile cancers occur most commonly in uncircumcised men. Although malignant lesions have been found in young men, most patients are over 50 years.

A physician should be seen if there are any of the following problems:

growths or sores

thickening of the skin

unusual discharge

bleeding

Men may be reluctant to see their physician about these symptoms but should know that penile cancer is highly curable if caught early. If allowed to advance, the prognosis is less promising.

More information regarding testicular and penile cancer can be obtained from the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, or by visiting www.cancerpage.com.

During June while supplies last, Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center is offering free information pamphlets on men's health. To obtain your free copies, call the hospital's Public Relations Director at 259-9588 and leave your name and complete mailing address.