Risk Factors
What is a risk factor?
A risk factor is anything that may increase a person's chance of developing a disease. It may be an activity, such as smoking, diet, family history, or many other things. Different diseases, including cancers, have different risk factors.
Although these factors can increase a person's risk, they do not necessarily cause the disease. Some people with one or more risk factors never develop the disease, while others develop disease and have no known risk factors.
But, knowing your risk factors to any disease can help to guide you into the appropriate actions, including changing behaviors and being clinically monitored for the disease.
The exact cause of testicular cancer is not known. However, there are a number of factors that increase the risk for the disease.
What are the risk factors for testicular cancer?
The exact cause of this disease is unknown. However, research does show that some men are more likely than others to develop testicular cancer. Possible risk factors include the following:
- age
Most testicular cancers occur in men between the ages of 20 and 54. - cryptorchidism - undescended testicle(s).
- occupational risks
Miners, gas workers, leather workers, food and beverage processing workers, utility workers, and others are at increased risk. - family history
- personal history of cancer in the other testicle
- race and ethnicity
The rate of testicular cancer is higher in Caucasians than in other populations. - HIV infection
- men whose mother took a hormone called DES (diethylstilbestrol) during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage
Make an Appointment
- Please call us during regular business hours to schedule an appointment.
For Urology: (212) 746-5878
For Medical Oncology (New Patient Visits): (646) 962-2072
For Medical Oncology (Follow up Patient Visits): (646) 972-2072
