Testicular Cancer Awareness Month: Facts About Testicular Cancer

By Barry M. Zisholtz, M.D.

Testicular cancer is a relatively uncommon disease, but, for some unknown reason, the incidence has been increasing over the last 50 years. There are approximately six new cases per 100,000 men in this country, which correlates with approximately 9,910 new cases per year.

To help raise your awareness of your risk, here are some facts and statistics about testicular cancer.

Who is Most at Risk?

• Most men with testicular cancer are between the age of 20 and 45.
• It is the most common solid cancer in men between the ages of 20 and 34.
• There is an increased risk of testicular cancer in men who were born with undescended testicles, even if they were surgically brought down when they were a child.

Do Genetics Affect Testicular Cancer?

• Genetics may have a role in developing this disease, but the exact gene and mechanism are not very clear.
• In terms of racial predisposition, Caucasian men develop testicular cancer much more frequently than African American or Hispanic men.

What Are the Treatment Options?

• There are many different types of testicular cancer and treatment depends upon the type in the stage of the disease.
• The fact that testicular cancer has become one of the most curable solid tumors has allowed scientists and oncologists to study this disease and use it to help develop new and better chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of all types of cancer.
• With the development of tumor markers, better surgical techniques, new medications, chemotherapeutic agents, and better radiological tools, the five-year survival rate is over 95%.

As with any other cancer, the lower the stage the better the prognosis. During Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, all parents should explain to their sons how to examine their testicles and be vigilant for any changes that might occur and seem abnormal. There is plenty of information available for how a young adult should examine himself, and this should be encouraged at a young age. That will help find this disease had an earlier stage and help give the individual man the best prognosis possible.

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