Most cases of testicular cancer occur in young (15-39), white, men. However, it's important to remember that any man, regardless of age or race, can develop testicular cancer.
Research has not shown a connection between testicular cancer and any particular habits, activities, or lifestyles. Other factors that are associated with a higher risk of testicular cancer include:
- Race. White men are approximately five times as likely as African-American men and twice as likely as Asian-American men to develop testicular cancer. Native American and Hispanic men have a greater risk than African-American men, but lower than white men.
- Undescended or Partially Descended Testicle (cryptorchidism). Men who have an undescended or partially descended testicle have a risk of developing testicular cancer, even if surgery was performed to remove the testicle or bring it down into the scrotum. About 14% of cases of testicular cancer occur in men with a history of cryptorchidism.
- Abnormal testicular development. Men whose testicles did not develop normally are at increased risk.
- Klinefelter's syndrome. Men with Klinefelter's syndrome (a sex chromosome disorder that may be characterized by low levels of male hormones, sterility, breast enlargement, and small testes) are at greater risk of developing testicular cancer.
- Family History. Having a father or brother with testicular cancer increases your risk for developing the disease. Having small testicles or testicles that are not shaped correctly may increase your chances for this form of cancer.
