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Around 1,000 new cases of testicular cancer are diagnosed in Australia every year.
Image: Clint Trofa, testicular cancer survivor and Cure Cancer fundraiser
Help improve outcomes for testicular cancer patients
Around 1,000 new cases of testicular cancer are diagnosed in Australia every year – in fact, it is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in young men and people assigned male at birth aged 20-39.
Cure Cancer funds research across every cancer type including testicular cancer, but more research is desperately needed.
Supporting emerging researchers with the brightest ideas gives us the best possible chance of finding a cure.
Every dollar you donate can make a real difference to our mission. Together, we can cure cancer.
“Advancements in cancer research are happening all the time, which keeps me optimistic. But I’m also very aware that, without funding, research can’t move forward. I want to do everything I can to prevent future generations from experiencing cancer, and I know Cure Cancer is working towards the same goal.”
— Clint Trofa, testicular cancer survivor and Cure Cancer fundraiser
What is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer is male reproductive cancer that develops when abnormal cells in the testicles grow more quickly than in a normal testicle, forming a malignant tumour. The testicles (or testes), are in the scrotum. The scrotum is a loose bag of skin underneath the penis. The testicles make sperm and the hormone testosterone.
Around 1,000 new cases of testicular cancer are diagnosed in Australia every year.
What are the types of testicular cancer?
Most testicular cancer starts in the germ cells, which are the cells that make sperm. The two main types of germ cell cancer are seminomas and non-seminomas. Other types include carcinoma in situ of the testicle and stromal tumours, but these are not as common as germ cell tumours.
What are the common symptoms of testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer can be symptomless. However, common testicular cancer symptoms include:
- Lump or swelling in a testicle
- Change in the size or shape of a testicle
- Build-up of fluid in the scrotum
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum.
How is testicular cancer diagnosed?
If you are concerned about your health, it’s important to make an appointment with your GP. They will have a chat with you about your medical history and examine the testicles and abdomen for lumps.
If the GP thinks it necessary, you will be referred for an ultrasound to check for tumours in the testicles. Depending on the type of testicular cancer suspected, or if the doctor thinks it may have spread, you may also have X-rays, a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will also order blood tests to look for tumour markers in the bloodstream, which can indicate cancer. You may also need a biopsy, which involves a sample of tissue being taken from the testicle for examination under a microscope. However, biopsies are usually avoided for suspected testicular cancer, because the cut through the scrotum can increase the chances of cancer spreading. Results from blood tests and ultrasound are usually sufficient to make a diagnosis of testicular cancer.
Testicular cancer is staged from Stage 1-3:
Stage I: The tumour may or may not have grown outside the testicle. The cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant parts of the body.
Stage II: The tumour may or may not have grown outside the testicle. The cancer has spread to at least 1 nearby lymph node but not to distant parts of the body.
Stage III: The tumour may or may not have grown outside the testicle. The cancer has spread to nearby or distant lymphs node and to distant parts of the body such as the lungs.
Testicular cancer treatments
Testicular cancer treatment depends on various factors, including the your test results, the type of testicular cancer you have, whether it has spread, your life stage and your general health
Surgery to remove the affected testicle is common. This is called an orchidectomy. After surgery, your doctor may recommend radiation therapy to kill any cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of the body. If the cancer hasn’t spread, the orchidectomy might be the only treatment that is needed.
If the cancer has spread, chemotherapy may be required, and can also be used to help decrease the risk of cancer coming back after the testicle is removed.
What is the prognosis for testicular cancer?
The prognosis for testicular cancer varies depending on the stage of the cancer and the person’s overall health.
However, the five-year survival rate is high. Thanks to research, around 97% of patients are still alive five years after diagnosis.
How your donation helps
$75
Can fund an hour of research
$150
Can pay for microscopy imaging to look for immune cells in tumours
$1000
Can fund small scale drug screening studies to identify new treatments
$10,000
Allows for comprehensive analysis of cancers through genomics
Our male reproductive cancer researchers
Together, we can cure cancer.
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