Men’s Health
Testicular Cancer: Symptoms, Risks, Screenings & Subsidies
From recognising unusual changes to understanding health screening options, here's a practical guide to looking after your health.
05 November 2026
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Testicular cancer is one of the more common cancers affecting younger men, particularly those aged between 15 and 49. Although relatively uncommon overall, it can develop in men who otherwise feel perfectly healthy.
The encouraging news is that testicular cancer is highly treatable in most cases. Knowing what to look out for and when to seek medical advice is an important first step.
But looking after your health goes beyond any single condition. Understanding which screenings are appropriate for your age and health risks can also help you identify other conditions that may not have obvious symptoms.
1. What changes should you look out for?
Testicular cancer does not always cause pain. In fact, one of its most common signs is a painless lump or swelling in one testicle.
Other changes worth paying attention to include:
- A new lump or an area of unusual firmness in either testicle
- A noticeable change in the size, shape or feel of a testicle
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- A persistent dull ache in the testicle, scrotum or lower abdomen
- Unexplained swelling or discomfort
Not every change means cancer. Infections, cysts and other non-cancerous conditions can cause similar symptoms.
However, a new or unexplained change should be assessed by a doctor.
If you experience sudden, severe testicular pain, seek emergency medical care immediately. This can be a sign of testicular torsion, a condition that requires urgent treatment.
2. Should you check your testicles regularly?
It helps to be familiar with how your testicles normally look and feel, so that you can recognise unusual changes.
You might notice a difference while showering or dressing. It is normal for one testicle to be slightly larger or hang lower than the other.
What matters is identifying something new or unusual.
Routine testicular cancer screening is not recommended for men without symptoms, as there is insufficient evidence that screening improves outcomes. Regular self-examination has also not been shown to reduce deaths from testicular cancer.
Nevertheless, being aware of changes and seeking medical advice when something seems unusual remains important.
Men with certain risk factors, including a history of an undescended testicle, previous testicular cancer or a close family member with the disease, should discuss their individual risks with a doctor.
3. What happens if you find a lump or unusual change?
The first step is to arrange a medical consultation.
A doctor will usually ask about your symptoms and medical history before conducting a physical examination.
If further assessment is needed, you may be referred for:
A scrotal ultrasound: An imaging test that helps identify the nature and location of a lump or abnormality.
Blood tests: These may include tumour markers such as AFP, beta-hCG and LDH, which can provide additional information when testicular cancer is suspected.
Further imaging: If cancer is diagnosed or strongly suspected, additional scans may be necessary to assess its extent.
Importantly, normal tumour marker results do not rule out testicular cancer.
A urologist can help evaluate suspicious findings, explain the results and recommend appropriate next steps.
In Singapore, specialist urology groups such as Advanced Urology Associates, part of HMI Medical, provide assessment and care for conditions affecting the urinary tract and male reproductive system.
4. What if testicular cancer is diagnosed?
Testicular cancer is often successfully treated, including in many cases where it has spread.
Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer. Surgery to remove the affected testicle is usually the primary treatment, although some patients may also require chemotherapy, radiotherapy or additional surgery.
Regular follow-up may be necessary to monitor recovery and check for recurrence.
For younger men, fertility and hormonal health are also important considerations. While removing one testicle does not usually affect fertility or testosterone production if the remaining testicle functions normally, some treatments can affect sperm production.
Men who may wish to have children in the future should discuss fertility preservation, including sperm banking, before beginning treatment.
5. Beyond testicular cancer: What other health screenings should men consider?
While testicular health deserves attention, other conditions may develop without noticeable symptoms.
High blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, for example, can go undetected for years.
This is where recommended preventive health screening can be useful.
In Singapore, the following screenings are generally recommended for eligible men:
These are general recommendations. Your doctor may advise earlier or additional checks depending on your family history, lifestyle, existing conditions and other risk factors.
Should you consider a more comprehensive health check?
National screening recommendations focus on conditions where routine testing has demonstrated benefits. Some individuals may also consider broader health assessments based on their personal circumstances and medical advice.
For example, HMI Medical Centre's Modern Health Screenings include assessments across areas such as heart and cardiovascular health, blood sugar and metabolic health, kidney health and liver health, with additional risk markers and imaging available in selected packages.
Its Meridian Pinnacle package also includes beta-hCG, a tumour marker that may be relevant in assessing certain testicular cancers.
However, a blood tumour marker test alone cannot reliably screen for or rule out testicular cancer. It should not replace medical evaluation or a scrotal ultrasound when symptoms are present.
More tests do not necessarily mean better screening. The most useful approach is to choose tests that are appropriate for your health needs and to review the findings with a doctor.
Learn about the health screening options at HMI Medical Centre
6. What health screening subsidies are available in Singapore?
You may not need to pay the full cost of recommended preventive health screening.
Singapore's Healthier SG Screening programme provides subsidised screening for eligible Singapore Citizens at participating CHAS GP clinics.
For recommended screening tests, the fees are:
These fees generally cover eligible screening tests conducted during the same visit, the screening consultation and the first follow-up consultation if required.
Subsidised screening includes recommended tests for cardiovascular risk factors and colorectal cancer, subject to age, medical history and screening eligibility.
What is not covered?
Testicular cancer screening is not part of Healthier SG Screening. The subsidies also do not automatically apply to comprehensive private screening packages or additional tests outside the national programme.
If you are a Permanent Resident, screening fees and consultation charges may differ. Check with your preferred clinic.
How to access subsidised screening
Step 1: Visit HealthHub's Healthier SG Screening page to find out which screenings you are eligible for.
Step 2: Book an appointment with a participating CHAS GP clinic or your enrolled Healthier SG clinic.
Step 3: Bring your NRIC and relevant CHAS, Pioneer Generation or Merdeka Generation card, where applicable.
Step 4: Review your results with your doctor and follow any recommendations for further assessment or monitoring.
7. What should you do next?
Looking after your health does not have to be complicated.
If you notice a lump, swelling or other unexplained change in your testicles, arrange a medical assessment. Do not wait for your next routine health screening.
If you have no symptoms, consider whether you are up to date with the recommended health screenings for your age and risk profile.
And if you are considering a broader health check, speak with a doctor about which tests are appropriate and what your results may tell you.
The most useful health check is one that addresses your risks, answers the right questions and helps you take appropriate next steps.
Useful resources
- HealthHub: Healthier SG Screening: Check eligibility, subsidies and screening recommendations.
- Advanced Urology Associates: Information about urology specialists and services.
- HMI Medical Centre: Modern Health Screenings: Explore broader health screening options and test inclusions.
This article provides general health information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for individual health concerns and screening recommendations.