Testicular cancer is the most common cancer among men between 20 and 40-years-old, with about one in 250 men developing it at some point in their lives. The great news is that it’s curable when caught early, with more than 95% of patients becoming cancer-free with treatment.
Cancer Rates
Most men who are diagnosed with testicular cancer are in their late 20s or early 30s, with the average age of diagnosis at 33. It’s important to note testicular cancer can occur at any age. It’s the second-most common cancer in males between the ages of 15 and 19-years-old. About 6% of testicular cancer cases are in children and teens, while about 7% occur in men older than 55.
The treatment decisions and recovery chances depend on the type of cancer and the kind of cell it starts in.
More than 90% of testicular cancers start in the germ cells, which are the cells that make sperm.
Lymphoma is the most common secondary testicular cancer, meaning the cancer did not originate in the testicles, but has spread to them. Testicular lymphoma is more common in men above the age of 50 than primary testicular tumors, which start in the testicles.
Risk Factors
Things that increase the likelihood of developing testicular cancer include:
- Having a family member with history of testicular cancer.
- HIV/AIDS.
- Previous history of testicular cancer.
- Race and ethnicity. The risk is higher in the USA and Europe, and lower in Africa and Asia.
- Undescended testicles at birth.
Early Detection is Vital to Survival
The earlier cancer is caught, the greater the odds of successfully curing it. Men can improve their chances of detecting something wrong through self-examinations. Men should perform testicular self-examinations monthly to familiarize themselves with the feel and size of their testicles. As soon as a lump, swelling, or pain is noticed, immediately contact your primary care physician or urologist.
About Justin D. Johnson, MD
Dr. Johnson is board-certified in Urology. He provides services in adult male and female urology, benign prostate disease, incontinence, male sexual dysfunction, pediatric urology, stone disease, urological cancers and vasectomy. Dr. Johnson’s professional interests include all aspects of urology, including adult male, female and pediatric urology. He performs advanced laparoendoscopic urologic and robotic urologic cases with the da Vinci® robot. Dr. Johnson is also a UroLift® trained physician.
Dr. Johnson can be reached at (859) 258-6450.
