Testicular Cancer
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Testicular cancer occurs when there is uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that starts in one or both testicles. Testicular cancer is highly treatable, even when it is found at a later stage and travelled to other parts of the body. Although testicular cancer is not common overall, it is the most common cancer in young men in many countries around the world.
What are the risk factors?
- History of having an undescended testicle (i.e., cryptorchidism)
- Being 15 to 45 years old
- Family or personal history of testicular cancer
- Being white (i.e., having European ancestry), Indigenous American, or Native Alaskan
- Having Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Although it is not fully understood why, having an undescended testicle is one of the main risk factors for testicular cancer. Before a male fetus is born, the testicles typically move from the abdomen to the scrotum. However, sometimes one or both testicles fail to make it to the scrotum before birth. An undescended testicle may move down naturally or require surgery.
People of any age with testicles can develop testicular cancer. However, most people who get testicular cancer do not have any known risk factors aside from being aged 15 - 45 years old.
What signs and symptoms should I look for?
- A lump or swelling in either testicle, with or without pain
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- A dull ache or pressure in the lower belly or groin
- Sudden swelling in the scrotum
- Enlargement or tenderness of the breast tissue
For men, it is recommended to become familiar with how your testicles normally look and feel, so you can spot changes. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any symptoms that last longer than 2 weeks.
Writer: Summer Clarke, Health Promotion Coordinator
