Risk Factors

Your health history can have an impact on your likelihood of developing testicular cancer. While risk factors may increase your chances of getting a disease, their presence doesn't guarantee that it will happen (and, conversely, their absence doesn't guarantee that it won't).

There are several risk factors for testicular cancer. If you believe that you may be at risk, it's always best to speak to your doctor. 

The following risk factors should be considered while you try to determine your likelihood of developing testicular cancer:

• Cryptorchidism, or undescended testicle(s): If you have (or had) an undescended testicle, your chances of testicular cancer are higher than those with normally descended testicles. Boys who experience cryptorchidism in their youth should be treated for the condition. This can lower the likelihood of developing testicular cancer later in life.

• Family or personal history of testicular cancer: If you have an immediate family member who has been diagnosed with testicular cancer, your chances of developing the disease are higher.

• Being Caucasian: If you are caucasian, you are 4-5 times more likely to develop testicular cancer than someone who is African American or Asian American.

• Cancer of the other testicle: If you have had cancer in one testicle, you are at a higher risk of developing cancer in the other testicle.

Less common risk factors, but risk factors nonetheless, include:

• HIV (or AIDS): Having these infections may put you at increased risk of testicular cancer.

• Carcinoma inside the testicle (Carcinoma in situ): This is a pre-cancerous condition that is highly likely to progress into invasive cancer.

• Body size:

  • Some studies have indicated that taller men may have a somewhat higher risk of testicular cancer; some studies have not

  • Most studies have not found a link between testicular cancer and body weight

Most known risk factors for testicular cancer can't be changed with lifestyle changes. Because of this, there is no way to guarantee the prevention of testicular cancer. To increase your chances of early detection and better outcomes, see your doctor regularly for physical exams and discuss any concerns during your appointment.