If testicular cancer is found the patient goes through a staging procedure. This includes a history and physical examination, blood and x-ray tests and sometimes additional surgery. Once a patient has been staged a treatment plan is developed. This may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy alone or in combination. Surgery is usually to remove the testicle but may also be to remove lymph nodes in the abdomen.
Radiation therapy is used to damage cancer cells and try to stop their growth.
Chemotherapy is usually used once the cancer has spread to other areas of the body or is suspected of having done so. During this stage distributing information or presenting information on testicular cancer is appropriate. Explaining the risks of developing testicular cancer and the pros of doing a self exam and cons of not doing it are appropriate. A demonstration to show that testicular screening is not difficult may be appropriate but specific time consuming instruction is best left until the preparation stage. They have not yet made the commitment to change.