Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in
young men ages 15 to 35. It accounts for about 1 percent of all cancer
in men, with approximately 7,400 cases diagnosed in the United States
every year. It is much more common in white males than in black males.
The incidence of testicular cancer has risen over the last century, although
the reason for this increase is not clear.
Risk factors for testicular cancer include undescended
testicle (cryptorchidism), a prior history of cancer in one testicle (the
opposite testicle is at increased risk) and family history of testicular
cancer. Testicular cancer is also sometimes linked to other rare conditions
in which
the testes do not develop normally. |