What is testicular cancer?
Like many cancers, testicular cancer develops when older or damaged cells do not die when they are supposed to; instead they divide and reproduce continuously until they produce a mass of growing tissue known as a tumour. This process can spread around the body and invade the key organs needed for survival. According to Cancer UK, around 2,200 men in the UK are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year.
Risk factors
There is still much that is unknown about testicular cancer; however it is known that certain factors can increase the risk:
- Fertility Problems – men who have low sperm counts or other fertility problems.
- Family History – men whose brothers or fathers have had testicular cancer.
- Ethnic Background – testicular cancer is more common in white men.
- Inguinal Hernia – men who have had an inguinal hernia.
- Age – testicular cancer usually affects men aged between 15 and 35 years.
- Height – testicular cancer affects taller men more frequently.
There is no way to prevent testicular cancer, which is why regular self-examination is vital to improve outcomes – the sooner it is detected the better. If you do discover anything unusual it’s very important to see your GP straight away!