Testicular Cancer Risk Factors
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Although the cause of testicular cancer is not known, doctors believe the following factors may increase the likelihood of developing testicular cancer:
- Cryptorchidism (An undescended testicle) – Testicles develop in the abdomen of the fetus and move down into the scrotum before birth. Approximately three percent of males may be born with a testicle that has failed to properly descend. Cancer is more likely to develop in undescended testicles than testicles that have either descended normally or have been surgically relocated in a procedure called an orchiopexy.
- Age – Approximately 90 percent of testicular cancers occur in adult men under the age of 54. Although less common, testicular cancer may occur in elderly men or children.
- Previous cancer occurrence – A small number of men who have been treated for cancer in one testicle develop cancer in the other testicle.
- HIV infections – Some research suggests that men infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may be at an increased risk.
- Family history – A small percentage of cases are found to occur in families. Having a brother or father who has had testicular cancer may slightly increase your risk of developing the disease.
Genetic factors do not appear to play a role in the development of testicular cancer. However, Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic disorder in males, may increase the likelihood of developing extragonadal germ cell tumors, which may lead to testicular cancer. Although testicular cancer is not directly linked to having an undescended testicle, it is thought that some other underlying condition may play a role. In most cases, men who develop testicular cancer have no known risk factors. And for unknown reasons, white men are most likely to develop testicular cancer.
Talk with your doctor about your risk of developing testicular cancer. Together you can determine if cancer screening is right for you.
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