Testicular cancer is rare and curable, but the fact that it strikes young men, ages 15-39, and is on the rise is reason enough to pay attention.
The first symptom is usually a painless lump on the testes.
“Testicular cancer is a rare cancer,” said Dr. Stephen Brewer, a urologist at St. Elizabeth Physicians. If young men regularly see a pediatrician or family doctor, it’s probably part of the exam.
“It’s more important to tell a young man not to smoke, always wear a helmet when you drive a motorcycle, and don’t use alcohol to excess,” said Brewer.
Testicular cancer usually is successfully cured, according to the American Cancer Society. But men should be aware of the symptoms: a lump, swelling or change in the size of the testes. While it provides a “how to,” the Cancer Society stops short of recommending a monthly self-exam. The average age of a man diagnosed is 33.
A recent study found that rates of testicular cancer are rising faster in young Hispanic men in the U.S. (up 58% between 1992 and 2010) than among non-Hispanic white men (up 7%). More research is needed to explain the numbers.
A primary care doctor in the U.S. Navy, Brewer said he knows how “medicine is being practiced on the front lines.” There are so many issues that demand attention in the health of young men that the uncommon occurrence of testicular cancer often doesn’t bubble up to the top of the list.
“If you go to the American Cancer Society website, it’s at the bottom of the list.”
Because the incidence is low, “just a few new cases will dramatically raise the rate,” he said. If you have any questions, it’s best to go directly to the family pediatrician or primary care doctor,” Brewer advised.
