No, home pregnancy kit cannot detect testicular cancer

Social media users are claiming that home pregnancy kits can detect testicular cancer.

The viral post reads: "If a man pees on the home pregnancy kit and the results are positive. It means that the man has testicular cancer."

FACT CHECK

NHS said doctors need to be consulted if there is a swelling, lump, or any other change in one of the testicles.

As most lumps within the scrotum are not cancerous, but it's important to get checked as soon as possible.

It also added that treatment for testicular cancer is much more effective when started early.

Talking about the hCG levels, Healthline says: "Home pregnancy tests are not a reliable way to detect testicular cancer. The idea came about because hCG — the hormone that's detected on a pregnancy test — can be at elevated levels in testicular cancer."

However, not all testicular cancers produce increased levels of hCG, making a negative result misleading. On the other hand, the presence of blood or protein in the urine as well as the use of certain medications can lead to a false-positive result.

Overall, a home pregnancy test may not be useful for detecting testicular cancer. If you have symptoms of testicular cancer, it's important to see a doctor for further testing rather than relying on a home pregnancy test.

According to the American Cancer Society: "Testicular cancer is usually found as a result of symptoms that a person is having. It can also be found when tests are done for another condition."

"The doctor will feel the testicles for swelling or tenderness and the size and location of any lumps. The doctor will also examine your belly (abdomen), lymph nodes, and other parts of your body carefully to look for signs of cancer spread. Often the results of the exam are normal other than the changes in the testicles. If a lump or other sign of testicular cancer is found, testing will be needed to look for the cause," it added.

We found no evidence or recommendation that a home pregnancy test can detect testicular cancer

Hence, the claim is false.