Did you know that testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in males between the age of 15 and 35? I had no idea until I had my own physical exam this past week. My doctor just happened to mention it since I have four boys, three of whom are in this age range.
According to the National Cancer Institute, testicular cancer is most common in young or middle-aged men. Most testicular cancers begin in germ cells (cells that make sperm) and are called testicular germ cell tumors. There are estimated to be 8,820 new cases of testicular and 380 deaths from testicular cancer in the United States in 2014.
White men are more likely than African-American and Asian-American men to develop this type of cancer.
As a mom of four boys, I’m shocked that this is the first time I learned about this. Although I know our pediatrician does a thorough exam including examining the boys’ “private parts,” this topic has never come up, and apparently the boys have never had a conversation about this with their doctor either. Now that I know, I’m going to ask our pediatrician more about it.
Testicular cancer is very treatable so early detection is the key, which is why an annual physical exam is important.
Read more about the Risk of getting Testicular Cancer, Testicular Cancer Symptoms, Types of Testicular Cancer and Treatment.
If you have boys, ages 15-35, make sure they have an annual checkup.
This is news to me – great information!
Thanks Liz – I was so surprised to learn this as a mom of 4 boys. Thankfully, my boys are healthy so far, but wanted to get the word out for other moms of boys.