What you need to know about Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer develops in the testicles, which are part of the male reproductive system responsible for producing sperm and hormones such as testosterone. It is relatively uncommon but is one of the most common cancers affecting younger men, particularly between the ages of 15 and 40. When detected early, testicular cancer is highly treatable with excellent survival rates.
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Affects the testicles in men
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Most common in younger men (15–40 years)
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Highly treatable when detected early
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Early detection leads to very high survival rates
What you need to know about Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer develops in the testicles, which are part of the male reproductive system responsible for producing sperm and hormones such as testosterone. It is relatively uncommon but is one of the most common cancers affecting younger men, particularly between the ages of 15 and 40. When detected early, testicular cancer is highly treatable with excellent survival rates.
​
-
Affects the testicles in men
-
Most common in younger men (15–40 years)
-
Highly treatable when detected early
-
Early detection leads to very high survival rates
Risk Factors
While the exact cause is not always known, certain factors may increase the risk of developing testicular cancer.
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• Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism)
• Family history of testicular cancer
• Previous testicular cancer
• Abnormal testicle development
• Age (most common in younger men)
Risk Factors
While the exact cause is not always known, certain factors may increase the risk of developing testicular cancer.
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• Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism)
• Family history of testicular cancer
• Previous testicular cancer
• Abnormal testicle development
• Age (most common in younger men)
Symptoms
Testicular cancer is often first noticed as a painless lump or swelling in one of the testicles. Other symptoms may develop gradually and should not be ignored.
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Lump or swelling in one testicle
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Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
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Dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
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Sudden fluid build-up in the scrotum
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Pain or discomfort in a testicle or scrotum
Stages
Testicular cancer is classified based on how far it has spread. Early-stage cancer is usually confined to the testicle, while advanced stages may involve lymph nodes or other organs.
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Stage 1: Cancer confined to the testicle
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Stage 2: Spread to nearby lymph nodes
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Stage 3: Spread to other parts of the body
Stages
Testicular cancer is classified based on how far it has spread. Early-stage cancer is usually confined to the testicle, while advanced stages may involve lymph nodes or other organs.
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Stage 1: Cancer confined to the testicle
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Stage 2: Spread to nearby lymph nodes
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Stage 3: Spread to other parts of the body
Diagnoses
Treatment
Diagnosis involves a combination of physical examination and medical testing to confirm the presence and extent of cancer.
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• Physical examination
• Ultrasound of the testicle
• Blood tests (tumour markers)
• Imaging scans (CT scans)
• Surgical removal and biopsy for confirmation
Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, especially when detected early. Treatment depends on the stage and type of cancer.
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• Surgery (removal of the affected testicle)
• Radiation therapy (in certain cases)
• Chemotherapy
• Active surveillance (in early stages)
Contact Us
CAN Head Office
90 John Meinert Street
Windhoek West, Namibia
Phone: +264 61 237 740
National Line Switchboard: +264 81 953 7740
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Contact Us
CAN Erongo Centre
3 Ferdinand Stich Street
Swakopmund, Namibia
National Line: +264 81 953 7740 Option #7
