What age group is testicular cancer most common
Testicular cancer largely affects younger men, particularly those between the ages of 20 and 40. The average age of a testicular cancer patient is 33 years old. While testicular cancer is not a commonly diagnosed disease—one in every 250 men will be diagnosed during their lifetime—it is one of the most prevalent cancers for younger men. It rarely affects boys under the age of 20 (an estimated 6% of cases) or men over the age of 55 (an estimated 8% of cases). Testicular cancer is highly responsive to treatment, with survival rates as high as 99%, even if diagnosed at a later stage. Treatment for testicular cancer can include a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and clinical trials.
Risk factors for testicular cancer
There are a variety of factors that can raise someone’s risk of testicular cancer, other than his age. These include:
- A family history of testicular cancer
- The race of the individual, as testicular cancer is more common for white men
- An HIV diagnosis
- A personal history of testicular cancer (developing cancer in one testicle increases the risk of developing it in the other)
- Cryptorchidism
Having an area of hardness or a small lump around the testicle or having an enlarged testicle are some of the first signs of testicular cancer. Many doctors recommend men between the ages of 15 and 55 perform monthly testicular self-exams, particularly after a warm shower.
If you would like to consult with the team at Moffitt Cancer Center about testicular cancer, we can provide prompt and accurate diagnostic services for you. If a diagnosis is confirmed, you will have access to our team of highly skilled specialists, including oncologists who focus exclusively on urologic malignancies. To request a consultation, contact 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online.