Ministry of Health Raises Awareness About Testicular Cancer

The risk of developing testicular cancer increases between 18 and 35 years of age, according to Mexico’s Ministry of Health, which urges men to perform monthly self-examinations to promptly identify any type of tumor.

About one in every 250 men will face testicular cancer at some point in their life, according to the American Cancer Society. This fact highlights the need for awareness and education about the disease, as early detection plays a vital role in effective treatment. 

At its core, testicular cancer arises from abnormal cell growth within the testicle that can lead to various issues, making early detection and medical intervention crucial. Testicular cancer comprises three types, which are germ cell tumors, stromal tumors and secondary testicular cancer. Over 90% of testicular cancers originate from germ cells, which are the cells responsible for producing sperm. 

In Mexico, testicular cancer ranks fifth in terms of incidence but second in terms of mortality, as reported by UAM. This disparity between incidence and mortality underscores the importance of improved access to timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment options.

Testicular cancer is highly treatable, even if it spreads to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy, for example. has been found to be highly effective in treating testicular cancer, resulting in an 80% survival rate. However, chemotherapy can also impact fertility. “As for men, the main causes of infertility are genetic conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome, testicular cancer and environmental factors such as tobacco, drug and alcohol use or high exposure to radiation or chemicals,” says Jeimy Pedraza, Laboratory Director, Instituto Ingenes, to MBN. 

Factors that can increase a man's susceptibility to testicular cancer include: having an undescended testicle during infancy, a family history of the disease involving a father or brother who had testicular cancer and a personal history of cancer in one testicle, which raises the risk of cancer occurring in the other testicle. Infertility also plays a role. There is no established connection between testicular cancer and elements like testicular injury, strains from sports activities, exposure to hot baths or wearing tight clothing, as reported by Cancer Council.

Detection requires ultrasound evaluations and blood analyses, in addition to chest tomography and radiography. These techniques allow specialists to ascertain the tumor's nature and extent of progression, as reported by Mexico’s Ministry of Health.