What are the risk factors for testicular cancer?
A risk factor is any factor that is associated with an increased chance of developing a particular health condition, such as testicular cancer. There are different types of risk factors, some of which can be modified and some that cannot.
Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors doesn’t mean that you will not get cancer. Talk with your doctor if you think you may be at risk.
Although the causes of testicular cancer are not fully understood, there are a number of factors associated with the risk of developing the disease. These factors include:
- certain childhood conditions such as an undescended testicle or infantile hernia
- a family history of testicular cancer
- having had an abnormal development of the testicles.
If you have any of these risk factors or are concerned about your risk for testicular cancer, please see your doctor.
National Cancer Institute. Testicular cancer treatment (PDQ): patient version.
Wijesinha S. Male reproductive health: what is the GP’s role? Australian Family Physician 2004;32(6):408–411.