Possible Risk Factors for Testicular Cancer

Just as with any disease, there are certain risk factors that could indicate a propensity towards testicular cancer. A risk factor is any type of issue that could up your chances of an illness. As you might imagine, there are a variety of risk factors that directly correlate to certain types of cancer. For example, lung cancer tends to occur in smokers while sun worshippers are likely to get skin cancer.

With testicular cancer, there are not as many obvious risk factors that can be linked to the disease. Of the known risk factors, there is no indication and it is almost impossible to know which man is more likely to contract the cancer. In addition, some men who contract testicular cancer have no known risk factors, other than being a man.

So what does constitute a risk factor for testicular cancer? It could be a number of things. However, the possibilities below are primary indicators that cancer of the testicles could follow:

1. Cryptorchidism aka the undescended testicle – One out of ten men who have testicular cancer can be linked to this condition. While a baby is still in the womb, the testicles grow inside the abdominal area. Right before the mother gives birth, the male baby's testicles descend into the scrotum, their natural resting position. In a small percentage, the testicles do not always descend properly before birth.

The undescended testicles either stay in the abdomen or get stuck somewhere in the groin area during the drop. For many of these young boys, the testicles do eventually drop within a year of birth. For those that do not, there is a surgical procedure that is necessary to help them to their proper place.

If there has been any history of cryptorchidism, this elevates a male's risk of testicular cancer, particularly if the surgical procedure to aid in their drop to the scrotum is not performed until much later in their life, like adolescence. While this condition does not directly cause testicular cancer, there is a glaring link there that cannot be ignored.

2. Genetics – If there has been any history in the family of testicular cancer, there is always going to be a risk for you as well. While self-examination is important in these cases, the probability is low that family history is a significant reason why men develop the disease.

3. CIS aka Carcinoma in situ – This is a non-invasive form of cancer that can be found in the testicles. The drawback to this is it causes no symptoms nor any telltale lumps. Only through incidental biopsy for an unrelated medical condition will likely turn this up. However, it is a potential cause of testicular cancer, although it can take years to develop.

4. HIV – For some reason, men with the HIV disease have a higher chance of developing testicular cancer. Doctors and medical researchers do not have a reason why this happens, especially since other ailments have not been known to increase cancer risk.

5. Age and race – The large majority of men who contract testicular cancer seems to run from early 20's to mid 50's. However, babies all the way up to centenarians have the risk of getting the disease. In addition, white men are about five times more predisposed to get testicular cancer as black men and up to three times more likely than Indians and Asians. Again, no one really knows the reason for this phenomenon.

To be on the safe side, all men – young and old – need to learn how to conduct self-examinations to find any telltale signs of testicular cancer. Being proactive in your health is the only way to maintain it and live a long, full life.