Embarrassing Illnesses

The causes of testicular cancer are not yet fully understood. However, research has identified a number of factors which may increase your chances of developing the condition. Some of these risk factors are outlined below.

Undescended testicles

The medical name for undescended testicles is cryptorchidism. When male babies grow in the womb, their testicles develop inside their abdomen. The testicles then normally move down into the scrotum when the baby is born, or during their first year of life.

However, for some children, the testicles fail to descend into the scrotum. Surgery is normally required to move the testicles down. If your testicles require surgery because they do not descend, it may increase the risk of you developing testicular cancer.

One study found that if surgery is performed before the child is 13 years of age, their risk of testicular cancer is approximately double than that of the rest of the population. However, if the operation is carried out after the boy is 13 years of age, or older, the risk of developing testicular cancer is five times greater than that of the rest of the population.

Age and race

Unlike most other cancers, testicular cancer is more common in young and middle-aged men, than in older, or elderly, men. It most commonly affects men who are between 20-44 years of age, with 90% of testicular cancer cases affecting men who are under the age of age 55.

Testicular cancer is also more common in white men, compared with other racial groups. It is also more common in northern and western Europe than in any other part of the world.

Close family member

If a close family member has had testicular cancer, such as your father, or brother, it may increase your risk of developing the condition. It is thought that approximately 1 in 5 cases of testicular cancer are the result of an inherited faulty gene.

Mumps orchitis

Mumps orchitis is a rare complication of mumps (a viral infection of your salivary glands). In men, mumps orchitis can cause either one, or both, of the testicles to become inflamed. This can be very painful, and it can also increase your risk of developing testicular cancer later in life.

Fertility problems

Some research has suggested that men with fertility problems, such as a low sperm count, or low sperm mobility (when the sperm do not move around as well as they should), may be at an increased risk of testicular cancer. However, this risk is relatively small. For example, one study found that out of 32,000 men who had fertility problems, only 89 went on to develop testicular cancer.

No link to vasectomies

Past research had suggested that there may be a link between vasectomies and testicular cancer. However, more recent studies have shown that this is not the case. You are not at any increased risk of developing testicular cancer if you undergo vasectomy surgery.

Injuries, or strains, to the groin will also not increase your risk of developing testicular cancer.