Doctors agree that examination of a man's testicle is an important part of a general physical examination. The American Cancer Society includes the examination in its recommendations for routine cancer-related checkups.

The issue of regular testicular self-examination is more controversial. The American Cancer Society believes it is important to make men aware of testicular cancer and remind them that any testicular mass should be evaluated by a doctor without delay. Some doctors feel that delay in seeking medical attention after discovering a mass is the most common reason for a delay in treatment. Other doctors feel that not noticing masses promptly is also an important factor in delaying treatment, and they recommend monthly testicular self-examination by all men after puberty. The ACS does not feel that there is any medical evidence to suggest that, for men with average testicular cancer risk, monthly examination is any more effective than simple awareness and prompt medical evalution. However, the choice of whether or not to perform this examination should be made by each man, so instructions for testicular examination are included in this section. Because men with certain risk factors, such as undescended testicle (cryptorchidism), previous germ cell tumor on one side, have an increased risk of developing testicular cancer, monthly examinations should be seriously considered for these men and the ACS suggests they discuss this issue with their doctor.

If you plan to perform the self-exam the best time to do so is during or after a bath or shower, when the skin of the scrotum is relaxed. Stand in front of a mirror and hold the penis out of the way. Examine each testicle separately. Hold the testicle between the thumbs and fingers with both hands and roll it gently between the fingers. Look and feel for any hard lumps or nodules (smooth rounded masses) or any change in the size, shape, or consistency of the testes. Contact your doctor if you detect any troublesome signs. Be aware that the testicles contain blood vessels, supporting tissues, and tubes that conduct sperm and that some men may confuse these with a cancer. If you have any doubts, ask your doctor.