April Is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

When doctors can detect it early, testicular cancer is usually highly treatable. Yet not everyone may know the importance of self-exams for this type of cancer. Cancer and health organizations aim to change that, especially during Testicular Cancer Awareness Month.

Every April, many people dedicate themselves to raising awareness about testicular cancer, its symptoms, self-exam techniques, and education.

Testicular cancer develops in the testicles (testes). These two small, oval-shaped organs produce sperm and testosterone. They sit inside the scrotum, directly behind the penis.

Cancer in the testicles is uncommon. In fact, it’s the 24th most common type of cancer in the United States, making up only 0.5% of all yearly cancer diagnoses.

With early detection, testicular cancer is highly treatable.

Part of the reason for these long wait times and short appointments is due to a nationwide shortage of physicians that is only getting worse. A report by the Association of American Medical Colleges predicts that, due to population growth and specifically growth of the elderly population, the physician shortfall in the U.S. could reach 121,300 by the year 2030.

Keep reading to learn more about testicular cancer and how to find it early for effective treatment. When the time comes, grab your purple ribbons (the official color of Testicular Cancer Awareness Month) and share these important facts.

Fast facts about testicular cancer

• Testicular cancer usually starts in the germ cells of the testicles.
• Two types of testicular cancers in germ cells are most common: seminomas and nonseminomas. Nonseminomas subdivide into four specific tumor types.
• The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2022, 9,910 people in the United States received testicular cancer diagnoses.
• An estimated 460 people died from testicular cancer in 2022.
• The 5-year survival rate for testicular is promising at 95% .
• Testicular cancer is the 24th most common type of cancer in the United States.
• The average age of diagnosis is 32 .
• People 20 to 34 years old account for nearly 52% of all new cases of testicular cancer each year.
• About 1 out of every 250 males may develop testicular cancer.