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Testicular Cancer. What Is Testicular Cancer?. Testicular cancer can develop in one or both testicles in men and boys. Contained in a sac of skin called the scrotum, the testicles are the part of the male reproductive system that produces sperm and male hormones (like testosterone).
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What Is Testicular Cancer? • Testicular cancer can develop in one or both testicles in men and boys. • Contained in a sac of skin called the scrotum, the testicles are the part of the male reproductive system that produces spermand male hormones (like testosterone). Testicular Cancer
The American Cancer Society’s Estimates • In the United States during 2008: • 8,090 new cases of testicular cancer will be diagnosed. • 380 men will die of this disease. Testicular Cancer
Who Is At Risk? • Although testicular cancers usually occur in patients between the ages of 15 and 40, they can affect males of any age, including infants and elderly men. • The risk among White men is about five times higher thanamong African American men. Testicular Cancer
What Are Other Risk Factors? • If a man’s close family members have had testicular cancer, he is at greater risk. • Men who had an undescended testicle as a baby are at increased risk (3 out of every 100 male infants). • Men who have had cancer in one testicle are at increased risk for developing cancer in the other testicle. Testicular Cancer
Other Risk Factors • Some jobs may put men at increased risk for testicular cancer. Examples include being one of the following: • Miner • Oil or gas worker • Janitor • Leather worker • Recent studies found no evidence that having a vasectomy increases a man’s risk of developingthe disease. Testicular Cancer
Reducing Your Risk • The main risk factors for testicular cancer include: • Race • Family history • Being born with an undescended testicle • Because these risks cannot be avoided, it is not currently known how to prevent most cases of testicular cancer. Testicular Cancer
Symptoms • Lump in either testicle • Enlargement of a testicle • Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum • Dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin • Sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum • Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts Testicular Cancer
Detection Methods • In 90% of cases, men have a lump or swelling in a testicle. • Any swelling or aching in the testicles should be examined by a doctor without delay. • Men at risk may want to perform a monthly self-exam. Testicular Cancer
Treatment • Treatment is most successful when cancer is detected early. • Often two or more treatment methods are used. • Patients should thoroughly discuss treatment options with their doctors. Testicular Cancer
Treatment Options • There are three main treatment options: 1. Surgery – An operation to remove cancer cells. 2. Radiation therapy – Uses high-energy rays to shrink or kill cancer cells. 3. Chemotherapy – Uses anticancer drugs that attack cancer cells and normal cells. The drugs are usually given by injection or by mouth. Testicular Cancer
Survival Rates • 5-year localized survival rate is 99.3% • Localized cancer is cancer that, at the time of diagnosis, had not spread to additional sites within the body. Typically, the earlier a cancer is detected and diagnosed, the more successful the treatment, thus enhancing the survival rate. Testicular Cancer
Survival Rates • 5-year overall survival rate is 96% • The 5-year survival rates represent persons who are living 5 years after diagnosis, whether disease-free, in remission, or under treatment. They do not imply that 5-year survivors have been permanently cured of cancer. • Survival rates drop to 70% when cancerhas spread to distant organs, which underlines the need for early action. Testicular Cancer
How Will Cancer Affect Me And My Family? • From the time of diagnosis, everyone is affectedin some way, even family and friends. • The American Cancer Society works to enhance aspects of life often challenged by this disease through: • Reducing the physical toll of cancer. • Reducing barriers to allow those affected to continue with their day-to-day lives. • Reducing the social and financial impact of cancer. • Preserving the spiritual well-being of those affected. Testicular Cancer
Patient Concerns • Men with testicular cancer are often concerned about fertility, sexual function, body image, and social relationships. • Other concerns include: • Fear of recurrence • Sleep difficulties • Pain • Depression • Guilt • Changes in what they are ableto do after treatment • Impact on finances and loved ones Testicular Cancer
You Are Not Alone • In recent years, the quality of life for those who are living with cancer has received increased attention. • No one has to make the cancer journey alone. • The American Cancer Society provides sources of information and support to cancer patients, their families, and friends. These include access to secure and private online chats, message boards, and support groups. Testicular Cancer
Connecting With Others • ACS Survivors NetworkSM is one source of support for people with cancer and their families and friends. The Network will help you find and talk to others who share your interests and experiences. • There are two ways to participate: 1. Visit our Internet site atwww.acscsn.org. 2. Call our toll-free number, 24 hours a day at 1–877–333–HOPE. Testicular Cancer
Hope For The Future • Scientists are continually learning more about the causes of testicular cancer and better ways to treat this disease. Examples include: • Studying DNA mutations to learn more about the causes of testicular cancer • Identifying factors to predict which patients may benefit from more intensive treatments • Refining new chemotherapy combinations and methods to help some patients tolerate more intensive chemotherapy treatments Testicular Cancer
The Bottom Line • Testicular cancer is highly treatable, usually curable, and relatively rare. • Risk factors include age (from 15 to 40), race (White men are at higher risk), and being born with an undescended testicle. • Since none of these risks can be prevented, the best protection is awareness of risks and symptoms, early detection, and prompt treatment. Testicular Cancer
Contact The American Cancer Society • American Cancer Society programs and services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. • To reach us: • Visit the American Cancer Society Internet site at www.cancer.org. • Call toll-free, 1–800–ACS–2345. Testicular Cancer
Additional Resources National Cancer InstituteCancer Information Service Telephone: 1–800-4–CANCER (toll free)Internet: www.nci.nih.gov Cancer Information Service Telephone: 1–800–4–CANCER (toll free)Internet: www.nci.nih.gov Lance Armstrong FoundationTelephone: 512–236–8820Internet: www.laf.org Testicular Cancer