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TESTICULAR CANCER uk
Award winning awareness and support charity Run by dedicated testicular cancer survivors
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testicular cancer q&A
What is the survival rate for testicular cancer?
In recent years the survival rate for testicular cancer is above 95%. More awareness by charities such as ourselves has contributed to getting men checking. Finding it early is key but even if cancer has spread the survival rate is brilliant with over 95 percent still cancer free after 5 years The treatments for testicular cancer are now better than ever. Unfortunately, some men do pass away but the odds of survival are very high.
what is germ cell cancer?
Testicular cancer is a germ cell cancer and so is ovarian cancer in females. Germ cells can only be found in reproduction organs so they are similar.
Is it true testicular cancer is more common in young men and it is rare?
The average age in the UK at present is 28, and it's most common in ages 15 to 40 however, anyone with testicles can be diagnosed. As cancer rates go, it is still relatively rare in the UK with around 2300 men a year being diagnosed. It is however on the increase, in 2004 it was estimated that 1800 men were diagnosed with testicular cancer
Will I have to have the testicle removed?
If your ultrasound scan on the testicle shows a suspected mass (tumor) then yes it's best to have it removed. The operation is pretty easy and most men are up and about within days, but take it easy of course. The testicle is sent away to see what type of cancer is in there so your oncologist can plan any treatments it's important that it's removed.
Do all men diagnosed with testicular cancer need chemo?
Not all, if you've found cancer early then some men with no sign of spread are offered survivance for a number of years. In recent years they are not been as fast to put men on chemotherapy regimes and believe there is no need to subject men to long-term side effects if unneeded. They will keep a close eye on you and act on any recurrence quickly.
Can a pregnancy test detect testicular cancer?
Yes, BUT it can only detect a certain type of testicular cancer, there are a few different types so the only sure way to diagnose it is to go and see a doctor
Can I still have sex and children after testicular cancer?
Yes, most men can perform sexually after testicular cancer and most men do go on to have children naturally.
During diagnosis of testicular cancer, you will be asked to bank sperm just in case you need to have IVF in the future, but most men find they conceive without needing help!
Some men however if cancer has spread through the body need an operation to remove the lymph nodes that are harboring cancer which can affect sexual performance and also make them infertile, it's rare but unfortunately is part of surviving.
After treatment can cancer come back in the other testicle?
Yes, it can but it's rare, which is why it is important to check once a month. In men who do have recurrence the men who check once a month and report it are most common to not need any treatments.