Testicular cancer (TC) begins when malignant cells form in the tissues of one or both testicles, the male reproductive glands located inside the scrotum. It is the most common cancer in males between the ages of 15 and 35, although it can occur at any age. Testicular cancer is absolutely not contagious, infectious, or transmissible between individuals through any form of contact, including sexual intimacy or casual contact.
Understanding Cancer as a Cellular Disease
Cancer is classified as a non-communicable disease, meaning it cannot be spread from one person to another like a cold or the flu. Contagious illnesses are caused by external pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi, which are foreign organisms designed to infect and replicate within a host.
The biological mechanism of cancer is fundamentally different because it is caused by the uncontrolled growth and mutation of the body’s own cells. Cancer cells are internal malfunctions, having acquired genetic changes that allow them to ignore normal regulatory signals for growth and division.
When the immune system encounters cancer cells from another individual, it instantly recognizes them as foreign tissue. The immune system’s standard function is to eliminate anything that is “non-self,” and this defense mechanism rapidly destroys the mutated cells. Therefore, cancer cannot be transmitted through touch, saliva, blood, or sexual contact.
Established Risk Factors for Testicular Cancer
Since testicular cancer is not contagious, its occurrence is linked to a combination of physiological and genetic factors. One of the most significant risk factors is cryptorchidism, the medical term for an undescended testicle. This condition occurs when one or both testicles fail to move from the abdomen into the scrotum before birth.
The risk of developing TC is four to eight times higher in the undescended testicle, and the risk increases if the testicle was located higher in the abdominal cavity. Although surgical correction (orchiopexy) before puberty can lower the risk, it does not eliminate it entirely.
Age is another strong determinant, as most cases are diagnosed in men between the ages of 15 and 35, making it the most common cancer in this age bracket. A family history of the disease also increases risk, particularly if a brother or father has been diagnosed, which indicates a genetic predisposition, even though a single specific gene is not solely responsible.
White males have a higher risk of developing testicular cancer compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Having had cancer in one testicle also substantially increases the risk of developing it in the remaining testicle.
Early Detection and Screening
Because testicular cancer is most curable when detected early, awareness of symptoms and self-examination are important. The most common early sign is a painless lump or swelling found on the testicle. The lump can vary in size and is sometimes accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
Other symptoms can include a dull ache or sensation of pressure in the lower abdomen or the groin area. Less common signs involve a sudden accumulation of fluid in the scrotum or, rarely, breast tenderness or growth due to hormonal changes produced by some tumors.
Many healthcare professionals recommend that men perform a testicular self-examination monthly, preferably during or after a warm shower when the scrotal skin is relaxed. This practice allows a person to become familiar with the normal size, shape, and feel of their testicles, making any new changes easier to spot. If any of these changes are noticed, consulting a medical professional promptly is the appropriate next step for evaluation and diagnosis.