Most Common Testicular Cancer Risk Factors
We do not know the exact cause of testicular cancer; however, we do know that certain factors can increase one’s risk of testicular cancer. The following are some of the most common testicular cancer risk factors:
Race and ethnicity
White men are at 4 to 5 times more risk of developing testicular cancer than Asian American and black men. It has been further reported that the risk of developing testicular cancer is higher for people living in Europe and the United States compared to those living in Asia and Africa.
Age
People between the ages of 15 and 45 are at a higher risk of developing testicular cancer. The average age at which men are diagnosed with testicular cancer is 33. Although any type of testicular cancer may develop at any age, men between 25 and 45 are at increased risk for seminoma. In contrast, younger men in their early 20s are at increased risk of developing non-seminomas.
Undescended testicle
Boys with a medical history of undescended testicles are at higher risk for testicular cancer. It is a significant risk factor for testicular cancer. It has been reported that the undescended testicles do not directly cause testicular cancer; rather, the undescended testis may have certain abnormalities that make the person more likely to develop testicular cancer.
Personal history
Family history and the medical history of the person also impact the risk of developing testicular cancer. People with immediate family members, such as a father and brother, suffering from testicular cancer are more likely to have testicular cancer than those without any family history of testicular cancer. People with underlying medical conditions, such as Klinefelter's syndrome and the presence or history of testicular cancer in one testicle, have a higher risk for testicular cancer. Some types of testicular cancers, such as testicular germ cell cancers, may initiate in the form of carcinoma in situ. People with carcinoma in situ are at increased risk for testicular cancer; however, the condition does not always progress to testicular cancer.
Urethra abnormalities
Any abnormalities in the urethra or penis may also increase the risk of testicular cancer. Hypospadias is a condition in which the opening of the urethra is not present at the penile tip. The presence of hypospadias increases the risk of testicular cancer.
HIV/AIDS diagnosis
Several studies have reported that people with HIV have a higher risk of developing testicular cancer than men with no medical history of HIV. A study found an increased risk of developing seminoma in patients with HIV. An HIV diagnosis is not directly related to testicular cancer. It is possibly due to an impaired immune response and HIV-induced atrophy of the testicles.
Testicular injury
Several studies have reported no association between testicular injury and testicular cancer. However, if the testicular trauma is so severe that it has led to testicular atrophy, it may increase the risk of testicular cancer.
Maternal hormone levels
Few studies have reported a higher risk for testicular germ cell tumors among white men with lower maternal testosterone levels. The maternal estrogen levels are higher in the first pregnancy compared to the subsequent pregnancy. This fact explains why a firstborn male child is at increased risk for developing testicular cancer compared to subsequent male children.
How to Prevent Testicular Cancer?
Various people ask about how to prevent testicular cancer. Although there is no method to prevent testicular cancer, certain measures lower the risk of developing testicular cancer:
Self-Exams
Self-examining the testicles is one of the easiest ways to detect any abnormality in the testis, such as a lump or swelling, which is usually the initial sign of testicular cancer. It is advised to conduct a self-examination of the testicles monthly to become familiar with the shape and size of the testicles. Doctors may advise the patients about how to do a self-exam for testicular cancer.
Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is vital for preventing various cancers, including testicular cancer. Testicular cancer may be prevented by regular exercise, a healthy weight, and a healthy diet. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption may also lower the risk of testicular cancer.
Early Detection
Like with other cancers, early detection of testicular cancer results in the complete removal of the cancer, lowering the risk of recurrence and enhancing overall quality of life. The patients, during self-examination, may feel the changes in the size of the testicles. The warning signs for testicular cancer are the presence of lumps or swelling, the feeling of discomfort or pain in the scrotum, experiencing heaviness or fullness, or a change in the size of the testis.
Regular Check-ups
Regular check-ups are important to catch testicular cancer in its early stages, especially in people with a high risk of testicular cancer, such as people with undescended testicles, family history and medical history of testicular cancer, and the presence of HIV and urethral abnormalities.
Risk Awareness
It is important to spread awareness about testicular cancer. It will help detect the disease at early stages and identify people with high cancer risk. A study reported that most people in the study lacked knowledge about the symptoms of testicular cancer and did not give any importance to testicular cancer. Awareness of testicular cancer is, thus, important.
Conclusion
The risk factors for testicular cancer include race and ethnicity, age between 15 and 45 years, undescended testicles, testicular trauma, family history, medical history of testicular cancer, presence of HIV and urethral abnormalities, and maternal estrogen levels. Primary prevention of testicular cancer may be through self-examination, a healthy lifestyle, testicular cancer awareness, regular check-ups, and early detection. People, especially those having a higher risk of developing testicular cancer, should ask doctors about how to avoid testicular cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people, especially those with early-stage testicular cancer, live a normal life after the treatment without any negative impact on fertility. The patients, after treatment, should visit the doctor for regular check-ups and follow measures to reduce their risk of cancer recurrence.
Consuming a healthy and nutritious diet and incorporating proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into the diet can reduce the risk of testicular cancer.
Testicular cancer has a good overall outcome. If the cancer is diagnosed and treated at an early stage, the survival rates are excellent.
Testicular cancer needs a comprehensive treatment approach; it is not possible for the body to kill the cancer cells naturally or by itself. For appropriate treatment and support, it is important to see a doctor.
