• Question: What are a few causes testicular cancer?

    Asked by Mayatha to Laura on 22 Jun 2015.
    • Photo: Laura Wales

      Laura Wales answered on 22 Jun 2015:

      The exact cause is not known but there is a link with some conditions which increase the risk. Risks include:
      • Undescended testicles – most cancers start in the testicle that didn’t move down on its own.
      • Family history – if a close relative has/had testicular cancer.
      • HIV infection
      • Age – around 50% of testicular cancers are in men aged 20 – 34.
      • Previous cancer
      There are a few other risk factors but these are the main ones.

      Scientists are studying changes in a cell’s DNA that can cause the cell to become cancerous. Some genes control the growth, division and death of cells. Two important genes here are “oncogenes” (for cell growth) and “tumour suppressor genes” (so that cells die at the right time). In general, cancers an be caused by changes in chromosomes that turn ON oncogenes or turn OFF tumour suppressor genes.

      It’s also important to know that the outlook for testicular cancer is one of the best for all cancers. Nearly all men are cured when diagnosed early.

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