The Risk for Testicular Cancer in Young Men

For men in early adulthood, there is a relative ease with which the approach to life is taken. Often delaying in their search for a life partner, delaying career and even delaying financial stability, young men are often extending their teen years right into early adulthood.

For some young men, however, the onset of illness or disease often results in an expedient lesson on life. In fact, men as young as 20 are experience life threatening health complications not seen in decades past. For example, men in this young age category are developing testicular cancer at increasing rates, with many men experiencing complications associated with risky lifestyle habits involving tobacco use.

If you are a young man, in high school, college or beginning a career at a very young age, it is important to become familiar with your health risks, even at this early stage of your life. Because testicular cancer is 99 percent curable, when diagnosed early, regular annual health screenings will be important to negating this risk. With recent increases in the prevalence of testicular cancer, many physicians and outreach organizations are working to spread the message about testicular cancer risks in men.

While attending school, either in high school or in college, you may find health awareness information that is designed to teach you about the risks associated with men's health with special focus on those associate with aging. However, more and more, these materials are beginning to incorporate information that is relevant to your life, even in late adolescence. If you have a family history of cancer, if you have a history of tobacco use, and even if you have been diagnosed with undescended testes, also known as cryptorchidism, these health issues must be taken seriously and regular evaluations are necessary.

In today's society, young men and women are becoming increasingly more apt to extend their carefree and immortal sense of being well into adulthood. However, even with this mentality, the health risks associated with these young age groups are still significant. For men in their early 20s, there is an increasingly greater risk for developing testicular cancer. For this reason, schools and outreach organizations are working to provide education to men at this age group and to encourage regular annual check-ups with a healthcare professional. With proper education, young men can continue to live in a somewhat carefree life while still managing health risks effectively.