We don't know what causes testicular cancer. Although the condition is rare, it has been on the increase in recent years. Again, we don't know why, but research is going on all the time to find the answer.
There are a few factors that can increase the chances of developing the condition.
- It's more common in males where a testicle didn't descend when they were very young - and they perhaps needed surgery to correct this. This relates back to when a male is developing in the womb, where his testicles grow in the abdomen and then descend into the scrotum before he is born. All babies are checked to make sure their testicles have dropped correctly and, if not, an operation is carried out to put them in the right place.
- There can be a family link (genetic), so if your dad or brother had testicular cancer, then there is a slightly increased risk of you developing it too. However the risk is still small.
- We're not sure why, but testicular cancer is more common in white than black people, and in wealthier social groups.
- What is clear, is that there is no link with injuries and sporting strains, or having hot baths for that matter.
So remember that it isn't anything that you have done!
