Testicular Cancer: 5 Things to Know

April 4, 2024

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, and to promote awareness, the NYCDCCBF is offering members information to learn more about this cancer. Here are five important things to know regarding testicular cancer.

1. What is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer occurs when cancerous cells develop in the testicles, often in specialized cells called germ cells. Some testicular cancers are more aggressive than others and may spread to other parts of the body.

2. What demographic is most affected by testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer among males ages 15-35. Approximately 1 in 250 males will develop testicular cancer during their life.

3. What are risk factors of testicular cancer
The two most important risk factors that can increase your chance of testicular cancer are:
– Being born with an undescended testicle
– Family history of testicular cancer

4. What are common signs and symptoms of testicular cancer?
The most common indicators of testicular cancer are pain, swelling, or a lump or hardness in the testicle (if you find a lump in a testicle, immediately consult your healthcare provider). Other symptoms of testicular cancer include:
– Pain in the lower abdomen and/or groin
– Tenderness in the breast and surrounding area
– A painless lump in the testicle
– Heaviness in the scrotum
– Back pain

5. How is testicular cancer diagnosed and treated?
Doctors perform blood tests to measure certain tumor markers and determine your prognosis. You may also undergo imaging tests to determine if cancerous cells have spread to other parts of your body.

For early-stage testicular cancer, a surgical procedure called radical orchiectomy can be performed, in which the affected testicle is removed, so the tumor may be examined and identified.

Treatment teams may recommend chemotherapy for testicular cancer that’s at a more advanced stage or more likely to metastasize (spread). Chemotherapy saves the life of about 70 percent of men with advanced testicular cancer.

The NYCDCC Welfare Fund partners with Memorial Sloan Kettering to offer MSK Direct, a program that gives you guided access to expert cancer care. They provide resources and support throughout your care experience. To learn more screenings, as well as other cancer care related topics, visit the MSK Direct website for the NYCDCC Welfare Fund at www.mskcc.org/nycdcc. If you or a loved one are impacted by cancer and would like to discuss treatment options available at MSK, please call the dedicated MSK Direct phone line for the NYCDCC Welfare Fund at (833) 786-3368.