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A Hackensack Meridian Health expert shares more

Brick, N.J. - April 17, 2026 - While an uncomfortable topic for many men, testicular cancer is a common cancer in American men between the ages of 15 and 35. While a highly curable disease if caught early, the reluctance to talk about it can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/mina-m-fam/1497224" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Mina Fam, M.D.</a>, director of uro-oncology at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center and director of robotic surgery at Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center, notes early detection is crucial &ndash; not only for successful treatment but also for managing the long-term effects that can surface decades later. He shares more during this Testicular Cancer Awareness Month.

Understanding the Numbers
While testicular cancer is relatively rare, accounting for about 1 in every 250 male cancer diagnoses, its incidence has been on the rise in the United States and many other countries for several decades. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2026, there will be about 9,810 new cases of testicular cancer diagnosed and about 630 deaths from the disease. The good news is that the lifetime risk of dying from testicular cancer is very low, about 1 in 5,000, largely because it is so treatable. The 5-year relative survival rate for localized testicular cancer is 99 percent.

The Power of Early Detection: Know Your Body
One of the most critical messages of Testicular Cancer Awareness Month is the importance of self-examination. Being familiar with your own body is the first line of defense. The most common sign of testicular cancer is a painless lump or swelling in a testicle. Other symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin, or a change in the size or feel of a testicle. It's important to remember that these symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, but it's always best to get checked by a doctor. Delaying a visit to the doctor can allow the cancer to spread, making it more difficult to treat.

How to Perform a Testicular Self-Exam
Performing a monthly self-exam is a simple and effective way to detect any changes early. The best time to do this is during or after a warm shower or bath when the scrotal skin is relaxed. Stand in front of a mirror and check for any swelling on the skin of the scrotum. Check each testicle separately, using both hands to gently roll each testicle between your thumbs and fingers. Feel for any hard lumps, smooth rounded bumps, or any changes in the size, shape, or consistency of the testicles.
You will also feel a soft, cord-like structure on the top and back of each testicle called the epididymis, which is a normal part of the anatomy. It's normal for one testicle to be slightly larger or hang lower than the other.&nbsp;

Breaking Down Barriers: It's Okay to Talk
Embarrassment should never be a barrier to your health. Doctors are professionals who are there to help, and they have these conversations every day. If you notice any changes or have any concerns, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Treatment and Survivorship
For those who are diagnosed with testicular cancer, a multidisciplinary team approach is essential. This means having a team of specialists, including urologists, oncologists, and fertility experts, working together to create a comprehensive treatment plan. A crucial part of this plan is addressing concerns about fertility. Treatments like chemotherapy can affect sperm production, so fertility preservation options, such as sperm banking, should be discussed before treatment begins.

The future of testicular cancer treatment is bright, with ongoing clinical trials and biomarker research exploring new approaches for advanced and recurrent disease. There is also a growing awareness of the importance of survivorship and addressing the long-term needs of patients, including fertility, sexual function, and the potential for late side effects of treatment.

This Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, take the time to get to know your body, and don't be afraid to speak up if something seems off. Early detection is key to a successful outcome and a long, healthy life. For additional information, visit: <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/cancer-care" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/cancer-care</a>.

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(photo: vecteezy.com)

Don't Be Shy: A Frank Conversation About...

A Hackensack Meridian Health expert shares more...

Don't Be Shy: A Frank Conversation About Testicular Cancer

Neptune, N.J. - April 17, 2026 - With a rising number of rotavirus cases being reported across the country and in New Jersey this spring, experts from Hackensack Meridian Children&rsquo;s Health are urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against this common and potentially severe illness. Rotavirus is a contagious virus that can cause gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Symptoms include severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain, which can lead to dehydration, hospitalization, and &ndash; in rare cases &ndash; death.
Before the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine in 2006, nearly every child in the United States was infected with the virus at least once by their 5th birthday. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/pinkbook/hcp/table-of-contents/chapter-19-rotavirus.html#:~:text=In%20the%20prevaccine%20era%2C%20an,age%203%20to%2035%20months." rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a>, this resulted in more than 400,000 doctor visits, more than 200,000 emergency room visits, 55,000 to 70,000 hospitalizations, and 20 to 60 deaths annually in children under five. Since the vaccine's introduction, the CDC estimates that hospitalizations for rotavirus among young children in the U.S. have dropped by 40,000 to 50,000 each year.
For New Jersey in particular, data from the <a href="https://data.wastewaterscan.org/tracker?charts=CmEQACABSABSBmUxMzZjMVIGZDU4Yjg5UgY3M2U2MWNSBjU0N2M1ZFIGYWQ2OWRiUgZjNTlmMmVaBFJvdGFyCjIwMjUtMDQtMTZyCjIwMjYtMDQtMTaKAQZjNTViMWK4AZML&amp;selectedChartId=c55b1b" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">WastewaterSCAN dashboard</a> (a public surveillance tool that tracks infectious disease pathogens in wastewater in real time and utilized by the CDC&rsquo;s Wastewater Monitoring Program) shows a general resurgence across the state.
"Vaccination is the most effective tool we have to protect our children from rotavirus," says <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/daniel-ruderfer/3183810" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Daniel Ruderfer, M.D.</a>, chief of pediatric infectious disease at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC). "The vaccine has an excellent safety profile and has been proven to prevent severe illness, keeping children out of the hospital and giving parents peace of mind."
"The rotavirus vaccine is a safe and highly effective tool for preventing severe diarrheal disease in young children. We've seen a dramatic decrease in hospitalizations due to rotavirus since the vaccine's introduction, which means fewer children are suffering from the serious complications of the illness, such as dehydration,&rdquo; notes <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/harpreet-pall/1316806" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Harpreet Pall, M.D.</a>, chief medical officer at JSUMC whose specialty is pediatric gastroenterology at K. Hovnanian Children&rsquo;s Hospital.
&ldquo;We strongly encourage parents to speak with their pediatrician to ensure their children are protected," adds Dr. Pall, who is also a professor of pediatrics at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.&nbsp;
The rotavirus vaccine is given orally in two or three doses, depending on the brand, starting when a baby is two months old. It is crucial for infants to receive the first dose before 15 weeks of age and to complete the series before they turn 8 months old.
"As pediatricians, our goal is always prevention first. The rotavirus vaccine is a cornerstone of our infant immunization schedule because it prevents a common, miserable, and potentially dangerous illness. Before the vaccine, our emergency rooms saw a constant flow of dehydrated infants. Today, it's a largely preventable disease. We urge all parents to ensure their baby gets this simple but life-saving protection," says <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/stefan-hagmann/2444630" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Stefan Hagmann, M.D.</a>, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/locations/hackensack-university-medical-center" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center,</a> and professor of Pediatrics, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.&nbsp;
Additional information can be found at: <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/childrens-health/vaccine-facts" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/childrens-health/vaccine-facts</a>.&nbsp;
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(Photo: vecteezy.com)

Hackensack Meridian Health Experts Stress the...

Neptune, N.J. - April 17, 2026 - With a rising number of rotavirus cases being reported across the country and in New Jersey this spring, experts...

Hackensack Meridian Health Experts Stress the Importance of Vaccination as Rotavirus Surges

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;While a Blood Test is Being Studied, Solutions are Available Today Manahawkin, N.J. - April 2, 2026 - This week Australian conservationist Bindi Irwin &ndash; who is the daughter of famed conservationist Steve Irwin &ndash; shared on social media that she had more than 50 lesions removed surgically in her continued painful battle with endometriosis. It&rsquo;s a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, grows outside of the uterus, on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the tissues holding the uterus in place, and sometimes on the bowels or bladder. In rare cases, it can grow on the lungs or other parts of the body.&nbsp;
With an average diagnostic delay of seven to nine years, something that Irwin has shared in her long journey to get a diagnosis, endometriosis remains a significant challenge for patients seeking answers and care. Most recently <a href="https://www.rgu.ac.uk/news/news-2025/7984-research-funding-awarded-to-heighten-understanding-of-endometriosis" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">researchers in Scotland</a> have been studying what would be a revolution in diagnosis &ndash; the creation of a rapid blood test for endometriosis that would be used in a doctor&rsquo;s office.&nbsp;
But &ldquo;gold standard&rdquo; care is available now, say experts at Hackensack Meridian Health&nbsp; &ndash;&nbsp; and recent updates to clinical guidelines in diagnosing the condition by considering symptoms and medical history &ndash; rather than requiring surgical confirmation are helping women much earlier in their journey. It was earlier this year that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists updated its <a href="https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/clinical-practice-guideline/articles/2026/03/diagnosis-of-endometriosis" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">clinical guidance</a> to support a &ldquo;treat first&rdquo; approach for suspected disease.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The most common symptoms of endometriosis are pain and infertility. The pain can manifest as painful menstrual cramps that may radiate to the abdomen or lower back; pain during or after sex, chronic pelvic pain lasting six months or more and pain with bowel movements or urination, especially during menstruation. Other symptoms can include heavy or irregular periods, fatigue, diarrhea or constipation, and spotting between periods.&nbsp;
&ldquo;For many patients with endometriosis, symptoms have been minimized or normalized for years before they receive a diagnosis and treatment,&rdquo; says <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/jocelyn-ann-carlo/1314264?shuffle_seed=de3cfee9-f0e9-41ff-b917-8da089345fdf&amp;sort=name&amp;specialties=Gynecology&amp;search_alerts=false&amp;provider_fields=-clinical_keywords&amp;location=40.26254%2C-74.023691&amp;distance=10&amp;display_location=Oakhurst%2C%20NJ&amp;from=search-list" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jocelyn Carlo, MD, OBGYN, F.A.C.O.G.</a>, director of gynecology, Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. &ldquo;When a major organization like ACOG issues updated clinical guidance, it signals that endometriosis deserves a serious, structured, and evidence-based approach. Increased awareness on the national level helps shift both patient and physician perspectives towards this&nbsp; complex and challenging disease. These updates recognize the long diagnostic journey many women face and provide clinicians with tools to act sooner, so we can treat the disease earlier, prevent complications, and improve their quality of life.&rdquo;&nbsp;

While a blood test is in development, laparoscopy remains the definitive method for diagnosing and treating endometriosis. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic excision surgery is a minimally invasive approach that removes growths and scar tissue while preserving healthy tissue. This technique is crucial for complex cases and for patients seeking to preserve fertility. As endometriosis is a multifaceted condition, Dr. Carlo recommends receiving care with a multi-disciplinary team of specialists, including gynecologic surgeons, pain management experts, and fertility specialists, to provide comprehensive and individualized care.
For additional information on endometriosis and women&rsquo;s health, visit <a href="http://hackensackmeridianhealth.org/services/womens-health" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">hackensackmeridianhealth.org/services/womens-health</a>.&nbsp;
###(photo: vecteezy.com)

Tackling an Endometriosis Diagnosis: A...

          While a Blood Test is Being Studied, Solutions are Available Today Manahawkin, N.J. - April 2, 2026 - This week Australian...

Tackling an Endometriosis Diagnosis: A Hackensack Meridian Health Expert Weighs in

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Lamps & Posts

Brand new in the original boxes -   Three - 3" X 80" white steel posts with cross arm. Three beautiful single bulb lamps in white. Local pick-up...

The following community events are offered through Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center in April (locations vary):

MANAHAWKIN - Southern Ocean Medical Center is offering FREE Wellness Screenings on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the ShopRite of Manahawkin, 733 Rt 72, Manahawkin. Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol and Stroke Risk Assessment. A nurse will be on hand to answer questions. No registration required.

WARETOWN - Southern Ocean Medical Center is offering FREE Wellness Screenings on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 from 1 - 4 p.m. at the ShopRite of Waretown, 501 US-9, Waretown. Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol and Stroke Risk Assessment. A nurse will be on hand to answer questions. No registration required.

LACEY - SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER is hosting a FREE lecture on Stress, Success and Your Heart on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Ocean County Library - Lacey Branch, 10 E. Lacey Road, Forked River. Join us as our health educator explores the critical link between mental stress, lifestyle choices, and cardiovascular health. This session is designed specifically for busy adults who want to maintain their competitive edge without sacrificing their longevity.&nbsp; Register with the library. Visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990 for more information.&nbsp;&nbsp;

MANAHAWKIN - SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER is offering a FREE lecture on Living Your Best Life with Parkinson&rsquo;s on Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 11 a.m. to Noon at the Ocean County Library - Stafford Branch, 129 N. Main Street, Manahawkin. Join us as Dr. Diviya Kaul discusses the management and treatment options for living your best life with Parkinson&rsquo;s.&nbsp; Topics will include the latest medications, treatment options, and disease management tips. Register with the library. Visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990 for more information.

LITTLE EGG HARBOR - SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER is hosting FREE Wellness Screenings on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 from 10 a.m. - Noon. at Ocean County Library - LEH Branch, 290 Mathistown Road, Little Egg Harbor.&nbsp; Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol, and Stroke Risk Assessment. Fasting is not required.&nbsp; Register with the library. Visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990 for more information.&nbsp;&nbsp;

MANAHAWKIN - SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER is hosting FREE Wellness Screenings on Thursday , April 16, 2026 from 9 a.m. - Noon at Ken&rsquo;s Kitchen at St. Mary&rsquo;s, 100 Bishop Way, Manahawkin.&nbsp; Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol, and Stroke Risk Assessment. Fasting is not required.&nbsp; Registration is encouraged but not required. Visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990 for more information.&nbsp;&nbsp;

LANOKA HARBOR - Southern Ocean Medical Center is offering FREE Wellness Screenings on Monday, April 20, 2026 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the ShopRite of Lacey, 344 US-9, Lanoka Harbor. Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol and Stroke Risk Assessment. A nurse will be on hand to answer questions. No registration required.

BARNEGAT - Southern Ocean Medical Center is hosting a FREE lecture on Healthy Eating on a Budget on Monday, April 27, 2026 from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the Twp of Ocean Engel Sprague Senior Center, 239 11th St. Barnegat. Join us to learn more about ways you can make smart decisions at the grocery store, while keeping your budget and health in mind!
FREE Wellness Screenings will be offered as well between 12 - 2 p.m. Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol and Stroke Risk Assessment. A nurse will be on hand to answer questions. No registration required.

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(photo by shadowkill at freeimages.com)

Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical...

The following community events are offered through Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center in April (locations vary):...

Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center April Events

April is Autism Awareness Month
Edison, N.J. - March 27, 2026 &ndash; Approximately<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/autism/articles/prevalence-varies-across-us-communities.html#:~:text=Boys%20were%20more%20than%203%20times%20as,not%20related%20to%20higher%20identification%20of%20ASD." rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> 1 in 31 children</a> in the U.S. and 1 in 29 in New Jersey are diagnosed with <a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">autism spectrum disorder</a> &ndash; a developmental disorder that impacts how a person learns, communicates, and engages with others.&nbsp;
With <a href="https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthier-you/2023/04/24/autism-what-it-looks-like-6-ways-to-help" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">symptoms</a> generally appearing during the first two years of life, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends developmental screening for all children at 9, 18, and 30 months, with specific <a href="https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/autism/?srsltid=AfmBOooyeQCh4mXAucil_PYh4gyIrQRYPEa1_tR9PGg_EHH_P6yCxyH3" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">autism screening</a> at 18 and 24 months, underscoring the importance of early identification, specialized care and tailored health care services for this population.
Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive health network, has developed a suite of innovative programs to provide families living with autism access to a sensory-friendly and supportive health care environment with services available across its hospitals and outpatient facilities.
"The services we've implemented across our network are a testament to our commitment to treat, understand, and accommodate the individual challenges that children with autism and their families face in a healthcare setting,&rdquo; said <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/cristina-e-farrell/3015809" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Cristina Farrell, M.D.</a>, division chief, developmental-behavioral pediatrics at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. "Our goal is to ensure that all children, including those with autism, receive compassionate and effective care that is attuned to their individual needs."
In addition to an e-learning initiative that has trained more than 10,000 team members &#8203;- including mandatory participation for pediatric nurses&#8203; - to better understand autism&#8203; and learn how to provide a sensory friendly medical environment&#8203;, Hackensack Meridian Health has implemented key initiatives including:&nbsp;
<ul><li>Sensory Carts: Sensory carts are available across the network in pediatric spaces, including emergency departments, oncology units, and pediatric intensive care units. These carts are equipped with items such as noise-canceling headphones and other support items to help manage sensory challenges, particularly during stressful procedures like blood draws. Team members are trained to use these tools to create a calmer, more child-friendly interaction. <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/EdRs7E5arBrFh2Rf8" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">(PHOTO ALBUM)</a></li><li>Patient Passport - a Journey to "Sensory Friendly Care": The Patient Passport is a document completed by caregivers that provides specific information about a patient's triggers and sensory issues, allowing providers to deliver individualized, sensory-friendly care.</li><li>Autism Sprint:&nbsp;By expanding diagnostic capacity, reducing bottlenecks, and prioritizing young patients who demonstrate possible behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorders, the Autism Sprint aims to significantly decrease wait times for families seeking a diagnosis in order to begin treatment as early as possible.</li><li>&ldquo;While you Wait:&rdquo;&nbsp; The &ldquo;While you Wait&rdquo; workshop provides families with valuable resources and guidance from the moment they request a developmental evaluation. The workshop explains the evaluation process, fosters shared understanding and helps families determine what services are the right fit.&nbsp;</li></ul>
"Navigating the healthcare system can be incredibly stressful for any family, but for those with a child on the autism spectrum, it presents a unique set of obstacles," said <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/eileen-a-dolan/1497182" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Eileen Dolan, M.D.</a>, division chief, developmental-behavioral pediatrics at Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack. "Our approach is designed to empower families, streamline our processes, and ensure the most vulnerable children receive care sooner. These initiatives, born from successful pilots within our children's hospitals, demonstrate our network's ability to innovate and scale solutions that have a real-world impact on patient care and family well-being."
More information is available at <a href="http://hackensackmeridianhealth.org/Kids" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Kids</a>.&nbsp;
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(photo: Hackensack Meridian Health)

Hackensack Meridian Health Provides Sensory...

Hackensack Meridian Health Provides Sensory Friendly Care for Children with Autism

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Brick

Lakewood

Point Pleasant

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Wall

Join this complimentary educational workshop to learn about legislative tax changes, protecting your retirement plans, and...

Wills, Trusts & Estate Taxes

Time: 10:30 AM-2:00 PMJoin our registered dietitian at 10:30 AM, as she shares advice on foods that can help your heart health...

Healthy Eating on a Budget + Wellness Screenings

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The all new Cape May Renaissance Faire brings the days of yore and times of wonder to Cape May.

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