WATCH: 5 Things You Should Know About Testicular Cancer
New Brunswick, N.J. April 1, 2025 – Compared to other types of cancer, testicular cancer is relatively rare. According to the National Cancer Institute, it accounts for less than 1 percent of all male cancers in the U.S. However, it’s the most common cancer among young men, primarily affecting those between the ages of 20 and 34. The good news? Testicular cancer is highly treatable, especially when caught early, making awareness and self-exams essential. That’s why it’s crucial for young men to know the warning signs and take charge of their health.
Know the Basics
Testicular cancer occurs when healthy cells in a testicle grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. Certain factors can increase a man’s risk, including:
- Undescended testicles (cryptorchidism): Men born with testicles that didn’t descend into the scrotum have a higher risk. While surgery can correct this condition, it does not eliminate the risk, but it makes detecting abnormalities easier.
- Family or personal history: Having a close relative with testicular cancer, or having had it before, raises the likelihood of developing it again.
Make Self-Exams Part of Your Routine
A simple self-exam can help detect testicular cancer early. Here’s how:
- Do it in the shower – Warm water helps relax the scrotum, making it easier to feel any changes.
- Check each testicle separately – Hold one testicle between your thumb and fingers, and gently roll it to feel for hard lumps, rounded masses, or changes in size and shape.
- Be aware of other symptoms – While a lump or swelling is the most common sign, advanced cases may cause back pain, abdominal pain, cough, or unexplained weight loss.
If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait—see a doctor.
What to Expect if Diagnosed
Surgery to remove the affected testicle is the initial step in treatment and oftentimes the only necessary step in most men with early-stage disease. Most cases of testicular cancer, even those with advanced disease can be cured with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these treatments. Surveillance involving regular check-ups instead of immediate treatment, may be appropriate for some men after the diagnosis has been established.
At RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only National Cancer institute (NCI)- designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, patients receive personalized treatment plans, including access to innovative clinical trials. Most men resume a healthy life post-treatment, with sexual function and fertility often remaining intact.
Break the Stigma
Many men hesitate to talk about testicular cancer, whether due to embarrassment or fear. However, avoiding the conversation can have serious consequences. Testicular cancer is highly curable. Ignoring symptoms or delaying a doctor’s visit can allow the cancer to spread, making treatment more complex. It’s time to normalize men’s health discussions, encourage self-checks, and ensure that no one feels too uncomfortable to seek medical advice.
Thomas L. Jang, MD, MPH, FACS, is chief of urologic oncology at Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health and program director for the Urology Residency Program and professor of surgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.