April 1, 2026
By Tammy McCausland
Every April, Testicular Cancer Awareness Month provides an opportunity to highlight one of the most common—yet most beatable—cancers affecting young men. Testicular cancer is the most common malignancy in men aged 15 to 45 and the most common solid tumor among adolescent and young adult men overall.1,2 More than 9,800 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year.3
The average age at diagnosis is 33, and while the disease affects men of all races and ethnicities, it is particularly prevalent in white (Caucasian) men.4,5 The incidence among Hispanic and Latino men is on the rise, however, with cases often presenting at a younger age and more advanced stage. This trend underscores the urgency of awareness across all communities.4
A painless lump or swelling on one testicle is the most common early sign of testicular cancer. Other symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin, or a sudden buildup of fluid in the scrotum.6 According to the Urology Care Foundation, men, on average, wait five or more months after noticing symptoms before speaking with a doctor.3 This delay, which can significantly impact treatment complexity and recovery, may be due to the fact that young men are often less likely to visit healthcare providers regularly and may feel uncomfortable discussing symptoms. As a result, early warning signs may go unaddressed.
Known risk factors for testicular cancer include a history of cryptorchidism (an undescended testicle), a personal or family history of testicular cancer and certain genetic conditions.1 However, most cases occur in men with no identifiable risk factors, making routine self-examination important for everyone.
Once diagnosed, testicular cancer is typically managed using one or more of the following approaches, tailored to the specific type (seminoma or non-seminoma) and stage of the disease7,8:
The lifetime risk of dying from the disease is remarkably low—approximately 1 in 5,000, according to the American Cancer Society.5 This is reflected in the high survival rates: more than 95% of men diagnosed with testicular cancer survive five years or more after diagnosis, according to the National Institutes of Health.1 For men with localized disease, the five-year survival rate is an extraordinary 99%.9 Even for advanced disease, cure rates for metastatic testicular cancer have risen from roughly 25% in the 1970s to nearly 80% today.2
Survivorship, however, may have distinct challenges. A large multi-center study, published in February 2026 in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, revealed that long-term survivors of cisplatin-based chemotherapy face increased risks of renal impairment, hearing loss and peripheral neuropathy.10 The study also found that nearly 41% of survivors experienced some renal dysfunction, which was additionally linked to an elevated long-term cardiovascular risk.10
Given the often subtle nature of testicular cancer symptoms, monthly self-examinations are strongly encouraged. Any new or unusual change should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider. The Urology Care Foundation’s 2026 awareness campaign urges men: “Don’t Drop the Ball – Check Yours.” Movember, an annual November event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for men's health issues (including testicular and prostate cancer) through growing moustaches, offers a helpful “How's Your Pair Hangin’?” resource to promote self-checks.
Testicular Cancer Awareness Month is a dedicated time to educate, encourage self-examination, and remind men that early detection saves lives. Although this disease is among the most curable cancers, awareness remains the critical first step.
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