In theory, I'm fine - but in practice, my life has changed beyond recognition."Men who come forward for testicular cancer gene research will be sent a preliminary questionnaire, and blood samples will be taken if appropriate. Many who have the disease remain unaware of the hereditary nature of both testicular and prostate cancers. Coupled with the taboo which still exists, there may be reticence about telling other family members.It's a problem recognised by researchers. "While we respect that men might not want to talk, knowledge can be power," says Clare Moynihan, a medical sociologist at the ICR. "It is so important they are aware these diseases can be hereditary. If they did know, they might want to talk about it in order to make their relations aware they could be at risk. And they might want to help in the search for cancer genes.""I think the attitude to testicular cancer in this country is appalling," says Steve "I've had people too embarrassed to talk to me.
Others think it can be passed on like sexually transmitted disease. But lots of men just don't know what to do - until it happens to them." His wife agrees. "We've made great strides forward with breast cancer awareness, but the attitudes in this area put us all to shame. And it's the next generation of young men who will pay the price unless we address it now - both in research and in attitudes."Steve and Elizabeth Young now campaign for greater awareness of testicular cancer. As parents of two sons, the implications of genetic links are uppermost in their minds. "We don't want to scare them because their dad had testicular cancer," says Elizabeth.
"But as this disease has a cure rate of over 90 per cent, we want them to be aware Women are taught to check their breasts monthly. We must get men - especially young men - to check themselves too Our boys will be screened regularly once they're 18 The difficult thing is just having to wait and see. Hopefully, more research will take some of that fear away."The Institute of Cancer Research wishes to recruitfamilies with two or more cases of testicular cancer to help with research. Contact the study coordinator, Lola Johnson, on 020-8722 4053What are the signs and symptoms to look out for?* Testicular cancer, though the commonest cancer in young men, is rare, affecting about one in 500 men between the ages of 15 and 50.* The cure rate is 95 per cent, and higher than that if the cancer is caught early.* The most common sign of testicular cancer is a lump or swelling in one of the testicles. Men should check their testicles regularly, looking for changes in consistency and areas of hardening and swelling, which are usually painless.* Any concerns should be reported to your doctor immediately.