DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My cousin, who's in his late 20s, was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer. I didn't know this is something younger guys need to worry about. Can you fill me in?

ANSWER: Testicular cancer isn't common — about 9,800 men are diagnosed each year and 1 in 250 may be diagnosed in their lifetime— but it most commonly affects men between the ages of 15 and 45. It's not something to worry about; however, it is something to be aware of. In addition to your age, you're at a higher risk of testicular cancer if you:

Have an undescended testicle.

Have a family history of testicular cancer.

Are white.

It's not clear what causes testicular cancer, which typically affects just one testicle. But it starts when something changes the DNA of the testicular cells, causing them to grow and multiply quickly, forming a tumor. Nearly all testicular cancers begin in the germ cells, which make sperm.

Signs of testicular cancer include:

A lump, bump or swelling in either testicle.

A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, which is the loose bag of skin beneath the penis and holds the testicles.

A dull ache in the lower belly or groin.

Sudden swelling in the scrotum.

Pain or discomfort in the scrotum or a testicle.

Enlargement or tenderness of breast tissue.

Back pain.

Testicular cancer is highly treatable, even if it spreads to other parts of the body. Treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.

There isn't a screening test for testicular cancer, although healthcare professionals may recommend a self-exam, just as women do breast self-exams. Your clinician can show you how to do it.

However, there's no research to show that self-exams lower the risk of dying from testicular cancer, since it's highly curable even at late stages. But a self-exam will help you become more familiar with the feel of your testicles and alert you to any changes.

If you're experiencing pain or swelling or have felt a lump or bump in your testicle that hasn't gone away in two weeks, it's time to consult with your healthcare professional.

At your appointment, they will examine your scrotum, feel the testicles and may order an ultrasound. These images can help with diagnosis. If cancer is suspected, a blood test can detect the proteins made by cancer cells. Having them in your blood doesn't mean you have cancer, but higher levels provide your healthcare team with clues to what is going on in your body.

From there, you may need surgery to remove the testicle and have it tested for cancer. If the cancer hasn't spread beyond the testicle, this may be the only treatment you'll need. If there's concern that it's spread to some lymph nodes, those nodes also will be removed and tested.

Depending on the findings, your oncology team will put together a treatment plan, which may include chemotherapy, radiation or immunotherapy. Because these treatments may affect fertility, you'll want to discuss options with your team for preserving sperm.

Following treatment, your care team typically will follow your progress for five years.

Remember, testicular cancer is highly curable. But early detection can make a difference. That's why it's important to schedule regular physical exams. At those exams, bring up any concerns you might have about symptoms and be prepared to provide details about them to your clinician. These may include:

When did they begin?

Are they continuous or occasional?

How severe are they?

Does anything improve them or make them worse?

If at any time you have concerns about symptoms, don't ignore them. Make an appointment to see your primary care healthcare clinician. Being proactive about your health is one of the most important things you can do for your overall well-being.

____

Mohammed Solaiman, M.D., Family Medicine/Primary Care, Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato, Minnesota

©2026 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.