Testicular Cancer - Causes and Risk Factors

Testicular cancer is a disease that strikes men of a wide age range. It can affect young men as young as age 15. There are quite a few risk factors of testicular cancer. A risk factor is anything that increases your chances of developing a disease. However, if you have a risk factor, it does not mean you will absolutely develop it. Keep in mind, also, that testicular cancer can develop without having a risk factor for the disease.

Risk Factors for Testicular Cancer:

Having had an undescended testicle.

An undescended testicles can increase the risk factor.

Having had abnormal development of the testicles.

The same goes for any abnormality of the testicles. Any abnormality can increase the risk.

Having a personal or family history of testicular cancer.

Studies suggest that it may run in families. Having had testicular cancer previously also increases your risk factor.

Having Klinefelter's syndrome.

Klinefelter's Syndrome is a genetic disorder in which males having an extra X chromosome. It is typical of the disease to produce small testicles.

Being white.

Studies suggest that Caucasian men develop testicular cancer at a higher rate than other races.