Testicular Cancer Rates
Up
Menstuff® has compiled the following information on. Updated
3/13/02.
Why is the rate of testicular cancer increasing?
Trends are valuated in the incidence of testicular germ cell cancer
in Ontario over the last 30 years.1 They report that the rate has
increased about 60% overall, consistent with a 2% annual increase,
and that the increase has been greatest in the youngest group (age 15
to 29).
Their finding is not surprising. Over the last couple of years the
media have publicized an increase in the incidence of testicular
cancer and a decline in the average sperm count. An increased
incidence of testicular cancer has been reported worldwide; in
northern Europe the incidence has increased by 3 to 4 times. This
epidemiologic evidence has been accompanied by provocative reports of
a reduction in testicular size and spermatogenesis rate in several
countries.
It is a reasonable hypothesis that toxins acting during the early
fetal development of the gonads are involved in the reduction in
testicular size and spermatogenesis rate and the increase in the
incidence of testicular germ cell cancer.
It is possible that some tumours are removed before they are
rejected immunologically or undergo involution and disappear.
Currently, however, almost all patients diagnosed with localized
testis cancer present with a palpable testicular mass. These masses,
if left untreated, progress rapidly. Thus, the impact of
overdiagnosis is at best minor and insufficient to explain the
sustained worldwide increase in incidence.
Also, several reports have suggested a relation between testicular
germ cell cancer and a sedentary lifestyle (i.e., increased
testicular temperatures), focusing on the role of heat as a toxic
insult. More research is needed to answer these question.
Source: For the complete report by Laurence H.
Klotz, MD , Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery,
University of Toronto, and the TorontoSunnybrook Regional
Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ont. go to
http://www.cma.ca/cmaj/vol-160/issue-2/0213.htm
* * *
Disclaimer - Information is designed for
educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical
advice or professional services. Any medical decisions should be made
in conjunction with your physician. We will not be liable for any
complications, injuries or other medical accidents arising from or in
connection with, the use of or reliance upon any information on the
web.
As a nonprofit organization, a purchase of books
through Menstuff helps continue our work to end men's isolation. So,
wherever you find a book you would like to purchase, click on the
words "Buy this book". Or when you want to see other books on
the issue that we might not be aware of, click on the
"amazon.com" box at the end of that issue.
Disclaimer - Information is designed for
educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical
advice or professional services. Any medical decisions should be made
in conjunction with your physician. We will not be liable for any
complications, injuries or other medical accidents arising from or in
connection with, the use of or reliance upon any information on the
web.
As a nonprofit organization, a purchase of books
through Menstuff helps continue our work to end men's isolation. So,
wherever you find a book you would like to purchase, click on the
words "Buy this book". Or when you want to see other books on
the issue that we might not be aware of, click on the
"amazon.com" box at the end of that issue.
Menstuff®
Directory
Menstuff® is a registered trademark of The National Men's
Resource Center™
©1996-2003, The National Men's Resource
Center
