Like many types of cancer, the cause of testicular cancer is not fully understood by oncologists and urologists. However, urology experts have noted that there are several risk factors that may elevate a person’s chances of being diagnosed with testicular cancer at some point in their life.
Men throughout the Inland Empire should be aware of these risk factors and discuss them with their doctor if they feel they are impacted by any one of them. Rancho Mirage patients should make it a point to visit their urologist on a regular basis in order to take advantage of all early detection opportunities for testicular cancer.
What are the Causes of Testicular Cancer?
The largest risk factor for developing testicular cancer is when a man has testicles that have not descended. For the average male, the testicles descend during their development in the womb or in the first year of their life.
If the testicles do not descend, a condition called cryptorchidism is diagnosed. In most cases, surgery is required in order to help the testicles descend. Men who have had this surgery performed in their life and who are aware of the fact that their testicles did not descend naturally are at an increased risk of testicular cancer.
A person’s age and race may put them at a higher risk for developing testicular cancer. Men between the ages of 20 and 44 are most likely to be diagnosed with this type of cancer, and men from northern and western Europe are diagnosed more often than men throughout the rest of the world.
Men who have been diagnosed with fertility issues are three times more likely to be diagnosed with testicular cancer than someone who is not. Researchers and medical experts are not sure why there is a link between male fertility issues and testicular cancer at this point in time, but men with fertility issues should mention this fact to their urologist.
Family history appears to play a role in the development of testicular cancer. Men who have a family history of testicular cancer are more likely to be diagnosed with this form of cancer than those who do not.
Smoking may also increase a person’s risk of testicular cancer, especially if the patient is a frequent smoker. In general, long-term smokers who have been smoking between 10-20 cigarettes per day for 12-24 years are twice as likely to be diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Dr. Pedram Ilbeigi works with all of his patients in order to understand their personal risk factors for testicular cancer and utilize early screening processes when necessary. Visiting the urologist on a regular basis is the best way to ensure that testicular cancer, if it develops, is caught early and diagnosed.
This provides patients with the best treatment options and the highest chances for success with treating the disease. To find out more information about testicular cancer and your own personal risk factors, set up an appointment with Dr. Pedram Ilbeigi today.
