Each year, approximately 8,850 men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer and approximately 410 men will die from the disease. That averages out to every hour of every day one man is diagnosed with testicular cancer.
What is Testicular Cancer?
Testicular cancer is a cancer that starts in the testicles, which are the male reproductive glands located in the scrotum. It occurs when cells in the testicles begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a mass or tumor. Testicular cancer is relatively rare compared to other types of cancer
Symptoms of Testicular Cancer
Symptoms of testicular cancer can include:
a lump or swelling in one or both testicles
pain or discomfort in the testicles or scrotum
a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin.
It is important to note that not all lumps or swellings in the testicles are cancerous, but any changes or abnormalities should be checked by a doctor.
Testicular Cancer Treatment
The most common treatment for testicular cancer is surgery to remove the affected testicle. In some cases, additional treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be necessary. It is important to work with a healthcare team to determine the best course of treatment for each individual case.
Testicular Cancer Quick Facts
Testicular cancer is relatively rare, accounting for less than 1% of all cancers in men.
Young men between the ages of 15-35 are at the highest risk for testicular cancer.
Testicular cancer is 4.5 times more common in white men verses black men.
The risk of Testicular Cancer for Hispanics, American Indians and Asians falls between that of white and black men.
Having a father, brother or uncle with testicular cancer may slightly increase one’s risk of developing testicular cancer.
Testicular Cancer and the BIPOC Community
While testicular cancer can affect men of any race or ethnicity, it is important to note that certain groups may face greater barriers to accessing healthcare and cancer screening. In particular, men of color and those from low-income communities may be at a higher risk for late-stage cancer diagnosis and poorer outcomes. It is important to address systemic barriers to healthcare access and advocate for equitable cancer screening and treatment for all communities.
Testicular Cancer Resources
Key statistics for testicular cancer | American Cancer Society
Testicular cancer treatment (PDQ) | National Cancer Institute
Support for Testicular Cancer Fighters | Testicular Cancer Society
Yamoah, K., Johnson, M. H., Choeurng, V., Faisal, F. A., Yousefi, K., Jeffress, A., ... & Deville, C. (2020). Examining racial disparities in testicular cancer-specific survival among African American and white men in the United States. Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations, 38(10), 799-804.