TESTICULAR CANCER
The Stats
Cancer that develops in a testicle is called testicular cancer. The term “cancer” refers to a condition in which the regulation of cell growth is lost and cells grow uncontrollably. Most cells in the body are constantly dividing, maturing and then dying in a tightly controlled process. Unlike normal cells, the growth of cancer cells is no longer well regulated. Instead of dying, as they should, cancer cells outlive normal cells and continue to form new, abnormal cells. Often, only one testicle is affected and testicular cancer is more commonly found in the right testicle than the left testicle. If left untreated it may spread throughout the body.
Who gets testicular cancer?
It mainly occurs in men aged 18 to 35, but can occur any time after the age of 15. Certain types of testicular cancer may occur in younger children or older men.
Risk of testicular cancer
Males who may be at risk of testicular cancer include:
What are the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer may cause a variety of signs and symptoms, but may also have no symptoms. Symptoms that men should watch for include:
If you suffer from any of the symptoms listed you should see your doctor.
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men in Canada between the ages of 15-29
970 new cases of testicular cancer are expected to be diagnosed in 2011
What is testicular cancer?Cancer that develops in a testicle is called testicular cancer. The term “cancer” refers to a condition in which the regulation of cell growth is lost and cells grow uncontrollably. Most cells in the body are constantly dividing, maturing and then dying in a tightly controlled process. Unlike normal cells, the growth of cancer cells is no longer well regulated. Instead of dying, as they should, cancer cells outlive normal cells and continue to form new, abnormal cells. Often, only one testicle is affected and testicular cancer is more commonly found in the right testicle than the left testicle. If left untreated it may spread throughout the body.
Who gets testicular cancer?
It mainly occurs in men aged 18 to 35, but can occur any time after the age of 15. Certain types of testicular cancer may occur in younger children or older men.
Risk of testicular cancer
Males who may be at risk of testicular cancer include:
those with uncorrected, undescended testicles as an infant or young child
those with a family history of testicular cancer
those with an identical twin with testicular cancer
those who have had certain viral infections such as mumps
some men develop testicular cancer without any of these risk factors
What are the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer may cause a variety of signs and symptoms, but may also have no symptoms. Symptoms that men should watch for include:
a small, painless lump in either testicle (the most common symptom)
any enlargement of the testicle
a feeling of heaviness in the testicle or groin
a dull ache in the lower abdomen or in the groin
pain in the testicle or scrotum
a change in the way a testicle feels
enlargement or tenderness of male breasts or nipples
blood in the semen
All men between 18 and 35 should become familiar with the shape and feel of their testicles and perform regular self-tests to detect abnormalities.If you suffer from any of the symptoms listed you should see your doctor.
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