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Testicular cancer occurs in 1 out of 250 men. It is most common among males aged 15-40 years, particularly those in their mid-twenties. Testicular cancer has one of the highest cure rates of all cancers approximately >95% when detected early.
According to the American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 2007,
In the United States, approximately 218,890(2006 estimted cases 234,460) cases
will be diagnosed this year and nearly 27,050(2006 estimted cases 27,350) men die from the disease this year.
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Causes and Risk Factors
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The main risk factor for testicular cancer is a problem called cryptorchidism, or undescended testicle(s) and accounts for 14% of the cases. A family history of prostate cancer increases the risk. Other possible risk factors include the following:
* Certain types of moles found on the back, stomach and face.
* HIV infection.
* CIS(a condition in which germ cells grow into a tumor but do not yet invade normal tissues.)
* Cancer of the other testicle.
* Race and ethnicity
* Body Size
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Symptoms and early detection
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Because testicular cancer is curable (stage I can have a success rate of >95%) when detected early, experts recommend regular monthly testicular self-examination after a hot shower or bath, when the scrotum is looser. Men should examine each testicle, feeling for pea-shaped lumps. Symptoms may include one or more of the following:
* a lump in one testis or a hardening of one of the testicles
* pain and tenderness in the testicles
* loss of sexual activity
* build-up of fluid in the scrotum
* a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
* an increase, or significant decrease, in the size of one testis
* blood in semen
Men should report any of these to a doctor as soon as possible.
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