What is testicular cancer and why do we need more research?

Seminomas: This type of cancer is purely made up of seminoma cancer cells. They develop from a type of germ cell which lines the walls of tiny, specialised tubes in the testicles. Seminoma tumours in the testicles tend to be slow growing, and slow to spread.

Non-seminomas: These cancers are made up of cells that have developed from other types of germ cells in the testicles. They can be made up of one type of cell, or they can be mixed (sometimes with seminoma cells). Non-seminomas may be faster growing, and may be more likely to spread to the lymph nodes. They tend to be diagnosed in younger people, aged 15 to 35.

Testicular cancer can affect anyone who has testicles. This can include men, trans women, and non‑binary people.

Although people of any age can develop testicular cancer, those under 50 are more at risk. Over 8 in 10 cases of testicular cancer diagnosed globally in 2020 were in people under 50 years old. In men under 35, it is the second most common cancer after lymphoma.

Some families might also have an increased risk of developing testicular cancer. If someone in your family has had testicular cancer, you may also be more likely to develop it. 

The most common symptom is a lump or swelling in the testicle. Pain in the area around the testes is also common. The scrotum might ache, or feel sore, or heavy.  Some testicular cancers might also disrupt production of hormones, which can cause other symptoms in the body. For example, breast pain can sometimes be a sign of some rare types of testicular cancer.

Doctors recommend that anyone with testicles check them regularly for lumps, or other changes. It could be nothing, but any change from how they usually feel is always worth checking out with a doctor.

As Worldwide Cancer Research supporter Jack knows, finding a lump can be really worrying. But an early discovery of any potential problem can make all the difference to the success of treatment, and the chance of a complete cure. Read Jack's story here.

Testicular cancer is usually very treatable, especially if it is caught early. Treatment options can depend on how far the cancer has progressed, the type of cancer, and the risk of it returning.

Surgery to remove the cancer (orchidectomy) is usually a first step. Doctors can then study a sample of the cancer under the microscope to find out more about the type of cancer, and whether further treatment is needed.

Followed-up treatments might include chemotherapy or radiation, to make sure all of the cancer cells are cleared, and to reduce the risk of the cancer cells returning.

• Chemotherapy treatments vary, but they usually involve undergoing several courses of therapy with one or more types of strong anti‑cancer drug. These drugs are infused into the bloodstream.
• Radiotherapy involves using high-energy radiation beams to destroy cancer cells.

With more people than ever now surviving, researchers are also beginning to focus on how best to help long-term survivors of the disease. High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplantation is a newer form of treatment currently in development. This innovative cure may help to reduce the risk of testicular cancer returning, while also helping to save a patient’s bone marrow cells that can be destroyed with high levels of chemotherapy.