Testicular cancer is rare but treatable. Understand key risk factors like undescended testicles, family history, and genetics to stay informed and proactive.
Cancer is an unforgiving enemy that is hard to comprehend and difficult to talk about. Cancer can happen at any age, even to people who seem healthy.
Fortunately, among all cancers, testicular cancer is a relatively rare and highly treatable condition. While it can affect men of all ages — including babies — it's most common in young men aged 15–34 years.
The exact cause of testicular cancer remains unknown. However, certain specific factors may increase a man’s chances of developing this disease. We explore those in this article.
Compared to other cancers, men diagnosed with testicular cancer have an excellent prognosis, with a survival rate of nearly 95%. Early detection and timely treatment are crucial for full recovery.
What Is Testicular Cancer?
Testicular cancer develops when cells inside the testes grow and divide abnormally.
The testes (or testicles) are two egg-shaped glands located in the scrotum below the penis. They are part of the male reproductive system responsible for producing sperm and the hormone testosterone, which regulates sex drive, muscle mass, bone density, and hair growth.
Each testicle has a long, coiled tube called the epididymis at the back, where sperm mature and are stored before ejaculation.
About 95% of testicular cancers are germ cell tumors, divided into two main types:
- Seminoma: Less aggressive and more responsive to radiation therapy.
- Non-seminoma: Tends to spread faster and requires more aggressive treatment.
Mixed tumors contain both seminoma and non-seminoma cells and are treated as non-seminomas.
Is Testicular Cancer Very Common?
No — it accounts for only 1–2% of all cancers in men worldwide.
A man’s lifetime risk of developing testicular cancer is about 1 in 250, but the risk of dying from it is much lower — around 1 in 5,000 — thanks to effective multimodal treatments.
Incidence has doubled over the past four decades, especially in industrialized nations. In 2017, there were 6.3 cases per 100,000 men compared to 3.7 per 100,000 in 1975.
In the U.S., approximately 9,470 new cases were reported in 2021, with about 440 deaths. India has one of the lowest rates globally — less than 1 case per 100,000 men.
How Do I Know If I Have Testicular Cancer?
Many men show no early symptoms. When present, signs include:
- Swelling or a painless lump in one or both testicles
- Sudden testicular pain
- Dull ache in the abdomen or lower back
- Fluid collection in the scrotum or a feeling of heaviness
Rarely, breast tenderness or enlargement occurs due to hormonal changes.
In advanced stages, symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, bloody sputum, or lower back pain.
What Are the Factors That Increase Our Risk of Testicular Cancer?
A risk factor increases the likelihood of developing a disease. While not all causes are known, scientists have identified several potential contributors:
Health-Related Risk Factors
An Undescended Testicle (Cryptorchidism)
A common birth abnormality where one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum before or shortly after birth.
Men with cryptorchidism have a 2–6 times higher risk of developing testicular cancer. Even after surgical correction (orchiopexy), the risk remains elevated.
Family History
If a father or brother had testicular cancer, your risk increases by 6–10 times. However, this applies to only a small percentage of cases.
HIV Infection
Some studies suggest men with HIV/AIDS have a higher risk of developing seminoma-type testicular cancer, though findings are inconsistent.
Carcinoma in Situ (CIS) of the Testicle
Also called intratubular germ cell neoplasia, CIS is a precancerous condition where abnormal cells are confined to the seminiferous tubules.
It is not cancer yet, but if left untreated, it often progresses to invasive cancer.
Prior History of Cancer
If you've had cancer in one testicle, your risk of developing cancer in the other is 12–18 times higher.
Race or Ethnicity
White men in the U.S. and Europe are 4–5 times more likely to develop testicular cancer than Asian or African men.
American Indian men also face increased risks, particularly for seminoma.
Male Infertility
Infertile men have approximately 3 times greater risk, though the biological mechanism is not fully understood.
Body Size
Taller men appear to have a slightly higher risk, although evidence is limited.
Genetic Conditions
Conditions like Klinefelter syndrome (extra X chromosome) increase risk due to genetic imbalance affecting testicular development.
Occupational Risk Factors
Firefighters, aircraft maintenance workers, and agricultural laborers may be at higher risk, but research is ongoing and inconclusive.
Environmental Risk Factors
Potential links exist with exposure to:
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Non-ionizing radiation
- Heavy metals
- Estrogenic pesticide residues
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
- Marijuana use
However, no definitive causal relationships have been established.
How Can I Prevent Testicular Cancer?
There is no guaranteed prevention. However, awareness and self-examination are powerful tools for early detection.
Regularly checking your testicles can help identify lumps or changes early, improving outcomes significantly.
Having risk factors doesn't mean you'll get cancer — and lacking them doesn’t guarantee protection.
If you notice anything unusual, consult your doctor promptly. Early diagnosis saves lives.