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Why are men aged 20 to 34 at high risk for testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer is a cancer that mainly affects the male reproductive system and is common in men between the ages of 20 and 34. Although the incidence of testicular cancer is relatively low, men in this age group are at high risk. Why is this?
Basic knowledge about testicular cancer
Testicular cancer usually originates from the germ cells in the testes. The most common type is germ cell tumor, with 95% of cases falling into this category. These tumors can be divided into seminomas and nonseminomas, and other types include sex cord stromal tumors and lymphomas. Major risk factors include undescended testicles (cryptorchidism), family history, and a history of testicular cancer.
"Globally, approximately 686,000 new cases of testicular cancer are diagnosed each year, resulting in approximately 9,400 deaths."
Why are men aged 20 to 34 a high-risk group?
Current research shows that among young men, the age group of testicular cancer is mainly concentrated between the ages of 20 and 34. Potential causes of this phenomenon include:
- Physiological maturation: Men in this age group are usually undergoing physiological maturation. At this time, the hormone levels of the testicles change significantly, which may increase the risk of cancer.
- Genetic factors: Men with testicular cancer in their families have a greatly increased risk, which is related to genetic genes and expression characteristics.
- Lifestyle habits: Unhealthy lifestyles such as smoking, alcohol abuse, and irregular work schedules may increase the risk of testicular cancer. These bad habits are relatively common among young men.
Signs and symptoms
Early symptoms of testicular cancer often include a lump or swelling in the testicle. Here are some possible signs:
- A lump on one testicle, which may be accompanied by pain or discomfort.
- Dull pain in the lower abdomen or scrotum.
- Heavy feeling in the scrotum or hardness of the testicles.
- Swelling of the chest (due to the hormonal effects of beta-hCG).
"After noticing these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical advice as soon as possible."
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis usually relies on physical exams, ultrasounds, and blood tests to determine the presence of testicular cancer. Surgical removal of the affected testicle and histological testing are critical steps in confirming the type of disease. Treatment options are effective for most patients and include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Even when the cancer has spread widely, the cure rate with chemotherapy is as high as 80%.
Psychological and social impact
Being diagnosed with testicular cancer not only causes great psychological pressure on patients, but may also affect their family and social life. In the process of coping with the disease, patients and families need to face many pressures, including concerns about the effectiveness of treatment, concerns about future fertility, and challenges in social life.
Conclusion
Testicular cancer has become a major threat to young men’s health. Understanding the characteristics of high-risk groups and early symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Should young men pay more attention to their physical changes and health examinations, and even conduct regular self-examinations to reduce the risk of testicular cancer?
