Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men in the U.S., followed by prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Colorectal and skin cancers are also of high concern, but there’s one disease that’s becoming increasingly common in middle-aged men. And that’s testicular cancer. Fortunately, most cases are caught early. Here’s everything you need to know.
RELATED: Experts Sound the Alarm on Rare Cancer That’s Quadrupled in Young People.
Testicular cancer cases in middle-aged men are on the rise, but most don’t know it.
What is the most common cancer affecting men under 40? Only 13 percent of U.S. adults guessed correctly in a new study commissioned by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center — Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC — James).
The answer is testicular cancer. There are several types and subtypes of testicular cancer, though 90 percent of cases start in germ cells, the same cells where sperm is made, according to the ACS.
While testicular cancer is more prevalent among middle-aged men, the cancer itself isn’t considered common. The ACS estimates that about one in every 250 males will get testicular cancer in their lifetime. However, “the incidence rate of testicular cancer has been increasing in the U.S. and many other countries for several decades,” says the ACS, suggesting the need for better health education for men in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
“In my experience, a lot of men are surprised that testicular cancer is most common among young men,” Shawn Dason, MD, urologic oncologist at the OSUCCC – James, said in a press release. “It’s something you’re just not expecting in your twenties or thirties. A lot of young men’s focus might be on developing their career, their day-to-day life. That’s a very different track of mind than perhaps your health.”
RELATED: 50% of Colon Cancer Cases in Young People Tied to 1 Common Factor, Researchers Discover.
New survey highlights lack of health education among middle-aged men.
The OSUCCC – James survey involved 1,008 adults, only 13 percent of whom correctly recognized testicular cancer as an imposing cancer risk among middle-aged men.
When asked if testicular exams should be included in annual physicals for men over 40, 65 percent of people said yes. Outside of the doctor’s office, 54 percent of respondents said men should do monthly self-exams. The latter could make all the difference in your diagnosis and treatment plan.
“We are really fortunate in testicular cancer that the vast majority of patients are diagnosed at an early stage,” said Dason. “That means the vast majority of patients are actually diagnosed before the cancer has had an opportunity to spread to other parts of the body.”
RELATED: Men Who Make This Mistake Have a 45% Higher Risk of Dying From Prostate Cancer.
Steps you can take now:
The ACS states that cases of testicular cancer among middle-aged men are on the rise, with 33 being the average age of initial diagnosis. In fact, the incidence rate drops down to roughly eight percent in men over the age of 55. Fortunately, mortality risk is very low; however, prevention is key.
Dason said that testicular cancer doesn’t typically trigger painful symptoms, which is why conducting routine self-exams is vital. Cancer experts argue that self-exams are “most relevant between the ages of 20 and 40.”
“If you feel something out of the ordinary, like a lump or bump, or if the testicle changes in size, call your doctor,” he advised.
Additionally, speak with your physician if you have a family history of testicular cancer.
Content shared from bestlifeonline.com.