What is testicular cancer?
Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. Abnormal cell growth that starts in one or both testicles is called testicular cancer. Testicles are responsible for the production of male hormones (mostly testosterone) and sperm. There are different types of testicular cancer and more than 90% start in the cells that make sperm (germ cells). The main types of germ cell cancers are seminomas and non-seminomas. The kind of cancer and the type of cell it starts in is important for treatment decisions and the outlook.
What are the stats?
Testicular cancer is not common. It accounts for 1% of all male tumours. But it is the most common cancer in males aged 15 to 39. Fortunately, it can be treated successfully with a 95% chance of survival.
Around the world
70,000
More than 70,000 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year
7,600
More than 70,000 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year
575,000
Over 575,000 men are living with and beyond testicular cancer.
Who's at risk?
Anyone with testicles can get testicular cancer and some of the risk factors which may increase your chances of getting it are listed below. However, what exactly causes testicular cancer is unknown, and many boys and men with testicular cancer don’t have known risk factors.
Some risk factors for testicular cancer
undescended testes at birth
family history, like a father or brother who has had testicular cancer
having had testicular cancer before
race and ethnicity –worldwide, the risk is higher in USA and Europe, and lowest in Africa and Asia
Know your nuts — it’s that simple
The best thing you can do for your testicles is give them a bit of a feel on a regular basis, and if something doesn’t seem right, head to the doctor.
PLAY KNOW THY NUTS
What if I’ve been diagnosed?
The most important step is to talk to your doctor about treatment choices. You may also consider getting a more than one doctor’s opinion. Hear from MoBro Ben Bowers about his experience with testicular cancer.
WATCH BEN’S STORY
Treatment Options
Testicular cancer is a highly treatable cancer with an excellent cure rate, if diagnosed and treated early. What type of treatment you are offered depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as other factors.
Surgery
Surgery is usually the first treatment and involves removal of the testicle with cancer –this is called an orchiectomy and is done under general anaesthesia
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy or radiotherapy is mainly used for seminomas or after surgery for cancer that has spread out of the testicles
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy (chemo) is often used after surgery to treat any remaining cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of the body, such as lymph nodes.
Fertility
Testicular cancer and the removal of a single testicle should not alter your ability to have sex or father children, Your remaining testicle will still produce large numbers of sperm. It is a good idea, however, to talk to your oncologist about sperm banking before commencing chemotherapy or radiation therapy
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