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When Was The Last Time You Were Checked For Testicular Cancer?

The chance of a man developing testicular cancer is around 1 in 250, meaning that between 8 and 10 thousand men will develop it each year. Fortunately, the recovery rate for testicular cancer is very high: around 95% of all men with testicular cancer will beat it if they catch it early. But what exactly are the signs of testicular cancer that will help you detect it early? Have you or your loved one been checked for it lately? Find out just what to look for, how this cancer is diagnosed, and how it is treated.

What Is Testicular Cancer?

Testicular cancer occurs when cancer cells develop in the tissue of a testicle. It is very rare that the cancer cells will develop in both testicles, but it can happen. More than 90% of testicular cancer cases start in the germ cells, which are cells in the testicles that develop into sperm. There are two primary types of these testicular germ cell cancers:

Seminoma– This type accounts for around 30 to 40% of testicular cancers, and grows slowly in young germ cells.
Non-seminoma– This type occurs in more mature germ cells, and grows into more aggressive tumors.

Who Is At Risk?

While testicular cancer can occur at any age, it is most common in men between the ages of 20 and 35, with an average diagnosis age of 33 years old. It tends to be at its most malignant amongst 22 to 40-year-old men. Diagnosis is most common in Caucasian men, and less common in African American, Latino, and Asian American men. In fact, Caucasian men are four to five times more likely to develop testicular cancer than African-American men, and three times more likely than Asian American men.

In addition, men who are at most at risk are those who have:

Undescended testicles, which means one or both testicles did not move down into the scrotum before birth
Family history, such as a brother or father who had testicular cancer
Infertility

Symptoms

It’s important to recognize the signs of testicular cancer, since the earlier you catch it, the more likely you are to beat it. Symptoms to look out for include:

Tenderness in the scrotum
A lump or swelling in either testicle
A shrinking testicle
Pain or discomfort in the scrotum or testicle
Fluid in the scrotum
A dull ache in the groin or lower abdomen area

Diagnosis

If you or your loved one experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. Your doctor will order an ultrasound to see if there are any abnormalities in the testicle; if there are any abnormalities or evidence of cancer, you will need to have surgery to remove the testicle, so it can be examined to see whether cancer is present. Testicular cancer can only be diagnosed after the testicle is removed and examined; unfortunately, biopsies cannot be performed on testicles.

Aside from ultrasounds, other tests to help diagnose testicular cancer can include:

A tumor marker test– A blood sample is taken and is used to measure the number of certain substances linked to specific types of cancers. The tumor markers that are often elevated in cases of testicular cancer are alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, and lactate dehydrogenase.
CT scans and X-rays- CT scans and X-rays can be performed to determine if there is cancer present anywhere else in the body, usually the abdomen and pelvis.

Treatment

chemotherapy IV bag — *Chemotherapy is one way to help reduce cancer cells.*

On the rare occasion that testicular cancer is found, there are three different kinds of treatment available, including:

Surgical treatment- The testicle is removed, as well as some lymph nodes. Surgery can also be performed in certain situations to remove tumors from the lungs or liver if they do not disappear after receiving chemotherapy.
Radiation therapy- High-dose radiation will be used to kill cancer cells. This type of treatment is more commonly used for cases of seminomas.
Chemotherapy– Drugs are administered to kill cancer cells in cases of both seminomas and non-seminomas.

Prevention

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent testicular cancer, but early detection can help immensely. You should perform a self-examination once a month to see if there are any lumps or issues in your testicles and scrotum. It’s best to perform the exam in a warm shower because the warm water relaxes the skin of the scrotum making it easier to feel for anything unusual.

When performing the exam, you should feel around for any lumps that are pea-sized or larger, as well as check to see if there has been any change in the size of your testicles. If you find a lump, the next step is to immediately contact your healthcare provider.

It is also important to get a physical exam once a year so that your doctor can check you, as well. To get the preventive care you need, you’ll need a good health insurance plan that will allow you to see your doctor regularly, and get any treatments you might need. If you’re looking for an insurance plan, EZ can help: we offer a wide range of health insurance plans from top-rated insurance companies in every state. And because we work with so many companies and can offer all of the plans available in your area, we can find you a plan that saves you a lot of money – even hundreds of dollars – even if you don’t qualify for a subsidy. There is no obligation, or hassle, just free quotes on all available plans in your area. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-350-1890.

African American Women Defy the National Trend of Declining Life Expectancy

Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans, and African Americans ages 18-49 are two times as likely to die from heart disease as are Caucasians. Not only that, but according to the CDC, one out of every three African-American adults suffer from high blood pressure, and fewer than half have the condition under control. And while African American women have a lower incidence of breast cancer, they are 41% more likely to die from it. The reason behind these health disparities? Most likely they are due to lack of access to adequate insurance and issues like higher instances of obesity, as well as stress from being overworked. And yet, with all of the stats seeming to be stacked against African American women, they are defying the negative trends, and are making changes to live longer.

Why Are These Diseases More Common in African American Women?

Researchers have found that there might be a gene that makes African Americans more sensitive to the effects of salt, which is the reason for the increased risk of high blood pressure. Not only that, but they tend to have higher rates of obesity and diabetes, putting them at a higher risk for heart disease and high blood pressure. They also have higher rates of unemployment and poverty, which can mean greater difficulty accessing medical care, and so can be unaware of their risks.

blood pressure cuff with medicine laying on top of it — *“African Americans have the highest hypertension rates in the world.”*

Dr. LaPrincess Brewer, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, points out the risks to African American women, as well as the dangers of being aware of these risks: “Each year, more African American women die from heart disease than breast cancer, lung cancer, and strokes combined, which makes heart disease the number one killer of African American women in our nation. However, studies have also revealed that less than half of African American women are aware that heart disease is their number one cause of death.”

“African Americans have the highest hypertension rates in the world. African American women are also the least physically active group of women in the United States. Now’s the time that we focus on changing the narrative on heart health and African American women,” says Dr. Brewer.

African American Women Are Turning Things Around

Despite everything working against African American women, they are making the changes to turn these stats around. They are seeking medical care more, changing their lifestyles to become healthier, and working hard to keep each other on track. Not only have they been holding on to an average lifespan of about 78 years, but other recent studies have shown that African American women are also the most optimistic group in the country.

“What we are seeing is that the message about the importance of health is getting through to black women,” said Linda Goler Blount, president, and chief executive of Black Women’s Health Imperative. “The data show that the majority of us know that we need to improve and are working on it. We also understand the importance of having a positive attitude. When black women are asked to define what good health means, we say things such as ‘being calm’ or ‘being at peace.’ We don’t use diseases to define it. We don’t let a condition like obesity define who we are, even though we work on getting into shape.”

“The good news is that black women are coming together to help each other,” Blount said. “We are learning the importance of self-care. We have to take care of ourselves first if we expect to help others.”

And, thanks to the passing of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010, millions more Americans have been able to access healthcare, and President Biden’s recent premium tax credit expansion has allowed even more people to get affordable plans. With health insurance being more accessible to everyone, African American women are more likely to seek the medical care they need, without worrying about being hit with huge bills.

All of this means that rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health conditions are lowering among African American women. They are understanding their heightened risk more, seeking care, and adopting preventive lifestyle measures to live longer. African American women are exceptional, and this just proves it even more!

Find An Affordable Plan That Fits Your Budget

Having the right health insurance plan means being able to get tested and treated for conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or heart disease without having to worry about forking out a lot of money for medical bills. If you don’t have health insurance, or your current plan is not sufficient for your needs or is too expensive, EZ can help. Depending on your circumstances, and with the extra Affordable Care Act subsidies that are currently on offer, we might be able to find you a great plan for as low as $0 a month! Come to us, and we’ll match you with your own agent, who will compare all available plans in your area, and find a plan that suits your needs – we’ll even sign you up for free. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-350-1890.

Is The Cost Of Health Insurance Your Biggest Problem? Find An Affordable AND Comprehensive Plan With EZ

Looking for a comprehensive health insurance plan but working with a tight budget? You can absolutely find a plan that offers you the coverage you need, while still staying in your price range. But in order to find the plan that offers you the most bang for your buck, you’ll need to understand how much you’ll actually end up spending out-of-pocket for your policy. Don’t worry: that’s what EZ is here for! EZ understands how important it is to find a plan that fits in your budget, but also has the right coverage, so we’ll break down everything that determines the price of your health insurance plan, and we’ll show you how you can find an affordable, comprehensive plan. And we’ll do it all for free, so you can save even more money!

Monthly Premiums

calculator with the numbers 549 on it and paper behind it in the background — *Your monthly premiums will depend on the type of plan you have and other factors.*

One of the main expenses when it comes to your health insurance policy is the monthly premiums. This monthly rate partially depends on the size of your family, your age, and your location, but the amount you pay will also depend on what type of plan you choose. For example, when purchasing a plan on the ACA Marketplace, you’ll have to decide between Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze plans, which will affect how much you pay in premiums versus how much of your medical expenses the plan will cover. You’ll also have multiple options when it comes to policy type, like PPO or HMO, which will affect the type of network you have access to. Each type of plan offers different levels of coverage with different monthly premium prices, so the best way to find a policy with a premium that meets your budget but still covers your medical expenses is to work with an EZ agent. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, so we can find you an affordable plan with low monthly premiums.

Deductible

In order for your plan to start paying its share of costs, you will first have to pay a certain amount out-of-pocket for your care, otherwise known as your deductible. Meeting your deductible is generally where a lot of your money goes when it comes to your policy; for example, your plan might have a $2,500 deductible, which means you will have to pay this amount in medical bills before your insurance company will begin to pay your medical expenses.

When it comes to health insurance plans, you have the option to choose between a lower deductible or a higher deductible. High-deductible plans have low monthly premiums, so if you are looking to save money, these plans are tempting. But know that if you are in an accident or have a medical emergency, you will have to pay the high deductible before your plan begins to cover you. High-deductible plans are generally more suitable for healthy people who do not need to see the doctor very often; if this is the case for you, one of these plans can save you a lot of money, because your premiums will be lower. Our trained agents can help guide you in the right direction to make sure you are covered completely.

Copays & Coinsurance

persons hand with gloves on drawing blood from another person's arm — *After meeting your deductible, when you receive medical treatments, you will have to pay a coinsurance.*

When budgeting for your health insurance plan, you’ll also have to take into account other expenses in addition to your premiums and deductible: copays and coinsurance. Copays are a fixed amount you will pay when you see a doctor or specialist and for medications.

Once you meet your deductible, you will also most likely have coinsurance to pay. This is the amount of money your health insurance company expects you to pay towards your care once they begin contributing. Coinsurance is normally 20% after you meet your deductible.

Your EZ agent will not only look for plans with lower copays, but they will also go over each plan and break down how things like coinsurance will affect the price of your policy. This means you will know exactly what to expect when it comes to your actual healthcare expenses.

Out-Of-Pocket Maximum

Every plan has an out-of-pocket maximum, which means once you have reached a certain amount of out-of-pocket expenses, your plan will begin to cover everything. For example, if your out-of-pocket maximum is $5,000 and you reach that amount before the year is over, your health insurance plan will pay for all of your medical expenses until the new calendar year begins. We can help you find a plan that has a lower out-of-pocket maximum, so that you’re more likely to end up having your medical expenses fully covered by your plan. This is especially vital if you have a medical condition which requires ongoing treatment: having a plan with a lower deductible and a low out-of-pocket maximum could help you save hundreds of dollars. The key to finding a plan like this is comparing plans with an EZ agent!

We all want to save as much money as we can, especially when it comes to a health insurance plan. Health insurance can be quite expensive, but with professional, highly-trained agents on your side, you can find an affordable plan with the right coverage for your needs. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, and will compare plans at no cost to you. Health insurance is expensive enough, which is why we offer our services for free. We genuinely want to help you find a great affordable plan, not make money off of you. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak with a local agent, call 888-350-1890.

Ways To Use Your Benefits When You’re Healthy

If you’re healthy, you might not think you need health insurance. You might look at it as an unnecessary expense – but health insurance can be affordable! That is not the only reason you should get it, though. Having a plan offers financial protection in case of an emergency or in the event you do get sick, and will mean not having to worry about a large bill after seeing the doctor. It can also help keep you healthy, if you know how to take advantage of your benefits. Check out the many free benefits and ways to save that your plan offers.

Preventive Care

Most ACA-approved insurance plans cover a set of preventive services. Preventive care benefits will help you stay healthy, and what’s best about them is that most are free. With your healthcare plan, you can go to the doctor for an annual wellness visit, during which your doctor will conduct exams, screenings and offer any necessary immunizations. Your doctor can screen you for multiple conditions during your exam, including:

black and white picture of someone sitting with their hands across their knees. — *Health insurance plans will provide preventive care, such as screening for depression, and providing counseling for it.*

High cholesterol
Depression
Type 2 diabetes
HIV
Lung cancer
Obesity
Breast cancer

You will also be able to get free immunizations, including shots for: :

The flu
Measles, mumps, and rubella
Varicella
Herpes
Hepatitis A and B
Pneumonia
HPV
Tetanus

After your wellness visit, any follow-up doctor visits will require a copay, coinsurance or deductible for any tests required.

Discounts

One of the biggest perks you can get with insurance? The discounts and rebates! Your plan might offer the following:

elliptical machines lined up in a gym — *Some plans will offer gym membership stipends.*

Gym membership stipends- some plans offer a stipend that pays a portion of your monthly gym membership.

Smoking cessation help– some plans cover medication to help you quit smoking.

Weight loss counseling– some plans offer rebates for weight loss programs.

Free Medical Equipment

Did you know that some plans offer free medical equipment? If you get injured or are sick, you could be covered for crutches, walkers, and oxygen supplies. Health insurance plans will also offer diabetic supplies for free. And if you have a baby? Many women are unaware that they can get a breast pump for free!

Looking For An Affordable Plan?

Being healthy does not mean you do not need health insurance; in fact, the best time to get insurance is when you’re healthy! The right plan can offer you many freebies to take advantage of, including the preventive care you need to stay healthy. In addition, if you are healthy, your health plan will be more affordable, especially if you consider a high deductible health plan. EZ.Insure’s agents work with many insurance companies in the country, which allows us to compare plans in your area in minutes. We will find you an affordable plan that will protect you against the unexpected, while saving you money on things you want, like gym memberships. To get free instant quotes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak with one of our licensed agents, call 888-350-1890.

Open Enrollment For New Yorkers Extended Until March 31

The coronavirus pandemic has not only created hardship for many Americans, but it has also created a greater need for access to affordable healthcare. The governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, is showing that he sympathizes, announcing on January 21 that the Open Enrollment Period for applying for health insurance in the state’s Marketplace has been extended. All New Yorkers will now have the ability to purchase a health insurance plan until March 31.

doctor with a red ape on and a spear going towards a virus with a body — *In order to help battle the coronavirus, the governor of NY is extending the Open Enrollment Period until the end of March.*

“Ensuring all New Yorkers have access to health insurance is essential, not only as we continue to fight the war against COVID, but to foster healthier, more resilient and more equitable communities as we rebuild post-pandemic,” Governor Cuomo said. “By extending this deadline until March, New Yorkers who need health coverage will have additional time to enroll and find the plan that works best for themselves and their families.”

Superintendent of Financial Services Linda A. Lacewell said, “Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York is extending the health enrollment period, providing uninsured New Yorkers another opportunity to sign up for high-quality and affordable health insurance. This opportunity to access New York’s health insurance marketplace is critically important during an ongoing public health emergency and during vaccination efforts. The state encourages uninsured New Yorkers to visit NY State of Health and sign up today.”

When Coverage Begins

the month of March on a calendar sheet — *When you sign up will determine when your coverage starts. Up until March 15th, coverage begins April 1, after the 15th and coverage begins May 1.*

Coverage start dates will vary depending on when you sign up for a plan. If you:

Enroll by February 15, your coverage will begin March 1
Enroll by March 15, your coverage will begin April 1
Enroll by March 31, your coverage will begin May 1

New York State of Health Executive Director, Donna Frescatore, said, “The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over and thanks to Governor Cuomo’s leadership, this extension of the Open Enrollment Period will give New Yorkers the extra time they need to enroll in coverage. As vaccine distribution continues throughout the state, having access to quality, affordable health coverage is crucial to staying healthy in 2021.”

Find An Affordable Plan

If you are a New York resident, it is important to take advantage of this extended Open Enrollment Period, and look into all of your options before it is over. The end of March is right around the corner, so speak to an EZ.Insure agent today. We can help make the process easy, and explain all of the added healthcare options that many plans are now offering. Our mission is to help you find an affordable health plan that provides all the coverage you need without breaking the bank, so our services are always free. We will provide you with your own agent who will go over all available plans in your area, answer any questions you have regarding coverage and save you money. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with one of our agents, call 888-350-1890.

Health Insurance Rates Keep Increasing, Let Us Save You More Money

Health insurance can be quite expensive, leaving individuals and families stressed due to medical costs. Over the years, health insurance rates have been slowly increasing, and this year is unfortunately no different. An analysis by the Penn Wharton Budget Model projects that premiums will rise a whopping 90% over the next 40 years. Just because rates are increasing does not mean that you can’t find a plan that provides just what you need within your budget.

So why exactly have rates been going up? There are a number of factors.

An Aging Population

Our country has a rapidly aging population. People are living much longer than they used to, which means there are more older adults putting a strain on the healthcare system. This means higher costs for everyone who is looking to buy insurance or receive medical services.

Chronic Illnesses

Diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses are responsible for most health care spending. A study published in 2019 by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), found that the cost of treatment for diabetes alone has risen by $64.4 billion between 1995-2015. About $44.4 billion of that increase was due solely to the rising cost of diabetes medications.With all of the rising costs, some people managing diseases may avoid going to the doctor out of fear of the large bill that will follow their visit. Not seeking treatment will only serve to worsen the condition; when the person finally seeks treatment, it will likely cost even more.

Affordable Plans Do Exist

scale with many boxes on one side and the other side has one box. — *EZ offers a personal agent who will compare all available plans in your area for you.*

Even though health insurance costs are on the rise every year, it does not mean that you cannot find an affordable plan that provides the coverage you need. Moreover, it is better to get a plan before an accident happens, or a chronic condition develops or worsens.

EZ provides you with easy, instant, accurate quotes with no strings attached. Your own personal advisor will provide you with instant quotes and a comparison of all the other top plans available. That’s right! Gone are the days of dealing with multiple agents, because EZ will provide you with your own personal agent who is specialized and licensed in your area. You personal agent will:

Compare plans to find the one that fits your needs.
Help you negotiate with insurance companies to get the best health insurance rates.
Assist you through the health plan enrollment process.
Offer you support in the future with any health care issues you might encounter.

Not only will you save time and money, you won’t have to pay us a cent for our services. We have the technology and network to reduce hours of time spent comparing plans to seconds. When you visit our site, you’ll leave with complete details and comparisons from dozens of plans available to you. These come from our team of experts, who filter all the insurance plans to find the most suitable to your health needs and budget.

Don’t waste any more time missing out on savings! To get your instant quotes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent, call 888-350-1890. Once you speak to your own personal agent, they will go over all plans, prices, and even sign you up – for free!

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