What is testicular cancer?
The testicles are two ball-like glands inside the scrotum. They produce sperm and hormones. They are also called testes.
Testicular cancer happens if abnormal cells in one or both of the testes grow uncontrollably.
Early detection is very important. Treatment is very effective and there is a high cure rate. If untreated or detected late, it can spread to other parts of the body — and it may cause death.
A Man’s Reproductive Organs
How common is it?
About 8,000 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year in the U.S. About 400 men die from it every year. One out of every 100 cancers in men develops in the testes. The rate of testicular cancer has been increasing —experts have not been able to find reasons for the increase.
Who is most at risk?
Young men are most at risk — most cases occur in men 15-39. It is the most common cancer among men 20-34. Only nine percent of men with testicular cancer are older than 50.
White men are five to 10 times more likely to get it than African-American men. Asian-American, Latino, and Native American men also have higher rates than African-American men, but they have lower rates than white men.
Other factors increase the risk of developing testicular cancer:
- cryptorchidism — having a testicle that did not descend into the scrotum
- a family history of testicular cancer
- HIV
- Klinefelter's syndrome — a genetic condition that causes underdeveloped testicles and other problems
- having previously had testicular cancer
How do I protect myself?
It is recommended that you have your testicles examined by a clinician during your periodic checkups. Ask your clinician how often you should have checkups. Men with risk factors for testicular cancer may be advised to have more frequent exams.
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