When cyclist Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996 at age 25, people were shocked that someone so young could have the disease. Unfortunately, most people haven't learned much about the condition since then, according to a new survey by the Ohio State University Comprehensive CANCER Center.

They found that only 13% of people know that testicular cancer is most common in men ages 20 to 40. And two-thirds of men think they should start getting exams for testicular cancer once they are 40, not younger.

That's why experts are spreading the word that young men should do monthly self-exams to check for lumps or bumps or changes to the size of a testicle (testicular cancer doesn't usually cause other symptoms). Fortunately, when caught early it’s usually curable.

If it hasn't spread outside the testicle, removing the testicle — and sometimes radiation — is recommended. For more advanced cases, chemotherapy may be used.

Once treatment has been deemed effective, for 15% to 20% of patients the cancer comes back, usually in the lymph nodes. More radiation or chemo can usually cure the cancer.

Just as women perform breast checks and get a doctor's breast exam, younger men should check themselves and get a doctor's checkup to screen for testicular cancer.

Other things you can do to prevent cancer and protect your fertility include:

• Tamp down body-wide inflammation with a plant-based diet

• Avoid added sugars and refined carbohydrates

• Enjoy physical activity

• Practice good sleep habits