With special guest:
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Dr Gideon Blecher
… in conversation with Bill Kable
This is a topic that is not often raised in polite company or even on talkback radio.
Many men would be reluctant to discuss testicular cancer even with their doctor. This is despite about 700 men being diagnosed in Australia every year, and in men aged 18-39 it is the second most common form of cancer.
In this program we go to an expert at Healthy Male (formerly Andrology Australia), Dr Gideon Blecher, to find out what we should know. And there is some good news to pass on. Gideon refers to Lance Armstrong who developed this form of cancer before his later Tour de France exploits. We are told that Armstrong is a great example to show that even when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body modern treatment can lead to a full recovery.
The starting point is testicular self-examination which might be compared with the practice of women for many years of checking their breasts for lumps or swellings. A good time to do this would be after a bath or shower and if there is any change to how the testes feel normally then see your local GP straight away.
Dr Blecher takes us through in a straightforward man to man way, starting with the risk factors then proceeding to diagnosis and treatment. If there is one major message from Dr Blecher it is to not delay going to your doctor if you find any abnormality. Of course a lump may not mean testicular cancer because there are other less serious conditions that could be the cause. It is best to know.
Good news? There is no evidence that injury or sporting strains, life-style (for example diet) or sexual activity are linked with testicular cancer. For more of the real facts and some good news about the cure rate listen in to this week’s expert guest on a topic of major importance.
Dr Gideon Blecher
Dr Gideon Blecher is an Australian qualified Urologist and Andrologist. As a surgeon who looks after male reproductive and sexual health issues, he has the experience and knowledge to manage complex problems. He has completed several years of overseas fellowship subspeciality training, in both andrology as well as robotic oncology in some of London’s most esteemed hospitals.
Dr Blecher specialises in a variety of areas including erectile dysfunction, penile prosthetic surgery, Peyronie’s disease, genital reconstruction, male infertility, male incontinence, testicular and penile lesions, as well as sexual dysfunction and general urology.
Dr Blecher graduated from Monash University (MBBS Hons) in 2004. He completed Urology training (FRACS Urol) in 2014 and subsequently spent three years obtaining his dual fellowships. He is the current co-chairperson of the Young Sexual Medicine Academy (YOsEMA).
Song selection by our guest: Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton
Note: This program is an encore presentation of the one aired on 14 April 2016.