Testicular Cancer Age Risk: Peak Incidence 15–35 Years

Key Statistics

• Peak incidence: Ages 15–35 (most common cancer in men 20–39).
• Median age at diagnosis: 33 years.
• Can occur at any age: 6% in children/teens, 8% >55 years.
• Lifetime risk: ~1 in 250 males.

Risk Factors

• Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) – 3–5x risk
• Family history (father/brother)
• Personal history (contralateral testis)
• HIV infection
• White race (4–5x higher than Black/Asian men)
• Height (taller = slightly higher risk)

Early Detection

• Monthly testicular self-exam after warm shower (age 15–55).
• Feel for: painless lump, swelling, heaviness, dull ache in groin/abdomen.
• Any abnormality → urologist immediately.

Prognosis

Excellent. 5-year relative survival: 99% (localized), 96% (regional), 73% (distant). Even metastatic disease is highly curable (cisplatin-based chemo).

Takeaway

Young men (15–35) should know the signs and do self-exams. Early detection = near-certain cure.