Causes and risk factors of testicular cancer
The exact cause of testicular cancer is not known. Certain things called risk factors may increase the chance of developing it.
Undescended testicle (known as cryptorchidism)
Men who had an undescended testicle as a child have a higher chance of getting testicular cancer. The risk may be higher if they did not have surgery, which is usually done before the age of 2.
The testicles develop inside the tummy (abdomen) of an unborn baby. Usually, they drop down (descend) into the scrotum at birth, or within the first year. Sometimes this doesn’t happen so the child has surgery to bring the testicle into the scrotum.
Having surgery to bring down the testicle means men can regularly check their testicles and notice any changes early.
Family history
Men with a brother or father who have had testicular cancer have a slightly higher risk of getting it. Researchers have found that this is partly due to changes in certain genes. Research continues to look at what genes may increase the risk.
Carcinoma in situ (CIS)
Carcinoma in situ (CIS) are abnormal cells in the testicle that can develop into testicular cancer if they are not removed.
CIS is sometimes found when men have a biopsy of the testicle. For example, you may have a biopsy to investigate infertility (being unable to have children).
Treatment for CIS may include:
- surveillance
- radiotherapy
- or surgery.
The treatment you may have depends on what certain blood tests show.
Cancer in the other testicle
A small number of men who have had treatment for testicular cancer will develop cancer in the other testicle.
It is important to know:
Talk with your GP if you are worried about testicular cancer coming back.
Ethnicity
Testicular cancer is more common in white men than in African‑Caribbean or Asian men.
Height
Men who are taller than average may have a higher risk of testicular cancer, but it is not clear why.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Men who are HIV positive have an increased risk of developing testicular cancer. There is an especially increased risk of a type of testicular cancer called seminoma.
Factors that do not increase testicular cancer risk
There is no evidence to suggest that injury to a testicle increases your risk of getting cancer. But an injury to a testicle or to the groin may bring a testicular cancer to your doctor’s attention.
Having a vasectomy does not increase the risk of getting testicular cancer.
How we can help
If you have cancer, you may be able to get a Macmillan Grant to help with the extra costs of cancer. Find out who can apply and how to access our grants.