Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. In comparison, testicular cancer is much less common. However, it is the most common type of cancer in young men. According to the Robert Koch Institute, an estimated 4,000 men in Germany - mostly between the ages of 25 and 45 - are diagnosed with testicular cancer every year. Why this young age group of all people? What causes testicular cancer? Who are the risk groups? Leading Medicine Guide takes a look at the current state of research and identifies possible risk factors.
What causes testicular cancer?
In contrast to some other types of cancer, such as lung cancer or bladder cancer, there is no evidence of lifestyle triggers, such as smoking or frequent exposure to certain chemicals. The fact is that in most cases it affects men in the age group mentioned above.
It can therefore be assumed that precursor cells of cancer cells already form in the womb during pregnancy. Possibly due to hormonal changes - either in the child or the mother - or due to hereditary predispositions. This is because studies show that sons and, in particular, brothers of patients are more likely to develop the disease.
Undescended testicles
Congenital undescended testicles are a proven factor for an increased risk of testicular cancer in men. It is irrelevant whether this was corrected in childhood or not.
Undescended testicles occur in around three percent of all male babies, and as many as 30 percent of premature babies. At least one of the two testicles does not move into the scrotum, but remains in the abdominal cavity or in the groin area. As a rule, this malformation is corrected within the first year of life to prevent fertility problems for the man later on. If the undescended testicles are corrected too late or not at all, the testicles lose their function and infertility is the result.
Parents should therefore inform their children about undescended testicles in adulthood at the latest so that they can regularly check their testicles for changes on their own. There is no general preventive service for this. Only from the age of 45 is a palpation examination of the reproductive organs part of early prostate cancer detection.
Other possible risk factors
In addition to undescended testicles and hereditary predisposition, other possible risk factors for testicular cancer include
- men with a fertility disorder
- hypospadias (defective urethral orifice)
- precursor cells of testicular cancer were found in a testicular tissue sample
So far, there is no scientific evidence of external influences. However, as a high increase in the number of cases has been observed in recent years, it is reasonable to assume that there is a connection.
Testicular cancer cannot be prevented, but it can be detected early
In some cases, it is currently not possible to determine what causes testicular cancer. As there is no evidence to date that lifestyle habits influence the onset of the disease, you cannot prevent testicular cancer. However, the earlier it is diagnosed, the better the disease can be treated and in many cases it can still be cured despite metastases.
Doctors and cancer societies therefore recommend that men from the age of 15 scan their testicles for changes about once a month. Especially those with congenital undescended testicles and a hereditary predisposition. If you discover symptoms such as lumps, swelling, enlargement, etc. and/or feel pain, make an appointment with a urologist as soon as possible to have the symptoms checked. You can find more information on the clinical picture, the treatment of testicular cancer and expert contacts here.
