young men are leaning on a bench and stretching in a wooded forest

Unlike many cancers that affect older adults, testicular cancer primarily impacts younger men, often at a time when they are otherwise healthy and not thinking about serious illness.

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer among men ages 15 to 35, yet many delay getting checked, often due to stigma, discomfort, or not knowing what to look for.

That hesitation can make a difference.

“Testicular cancer is one of the most curable cancers we treat,” says Brian Hu, MD, urologist at Loma Linda University Health. “The earlier we catch it, the simpler the treatment and the better the outcome.”

A cancer young men don’t expect

Unlike many cancers that affect older adults, testicular cancer primarily impacts younger men, often at a time when they are otherwise healthy and not thinking about serious illness.

That age group, Hu says, is part of the reason it can go overlooked.

“Testicular cancer can afflict men during a period of their lives when they may not be the most comfortable talking about their bodies,” Hu says. “It’s also not an area that’s visible, so it’s easier to ignore.”

The signs men often miss

The most common early symptom is a painless lump or swelling in the testicle. Some men may also notice heaviness, discomfort, or subtle changes in how the area feels.

“A mass or different feeling of the testicle should prompt an evaluation,” Hu says. 

To catch changes early, Hu recommends monthly self-checks, ideally after a warm shower, when the body is more relaxed.

“These exams help men understand what’s normal for them,” he says. “That way, if something changes, they’re more likely to catch it early.”

Stigma still gets in the way

For many men, concerns about masculinity, fertility, and sexual health can delay care.

“There can be a belief that treatment will negatively affect their identity or manhood,” Hu says. “But many treatments don’t necessarily lead to major changes in hormones or sexual health.” 

While treatment can affect fertility or testosterone in some cases, options such as sperm banking and reconstructive procedures are available to help preserve quality of life.

Why timing matters

Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, but delaying care can lead to more intensive treatment.

“If diagnosis is delayed, patients may need more treatment,” Hu said. “But even then, we are still often able to cure the cancer.” 

At Loma Linda University Health, testicular cancer care focuses not only on treatment, but on long-term outcomes and overall well-being.

With a high-volume, multidisciplinary team, including urologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists, patients benefit from coordinated care that has been shown to improve outcomes. 

The team is also actively working to improve survivorship by studying how treatments affect patients over time and refining approaches to reduce long-term side effects.

“We try to take patients through their cancer journey in a way that’s very patient-centered,” Hu says, “understanding how this diagnosis fits into their life.”

When to seek care

Men should see a healthcare provider if they notice:

  • A lump or swelling in the testicle 

  • A feeling of heaviness or discomfort 

  • Any change from what feels normal 

Early evaluation can lead to simpler treatment and better outcomes.

Take the first step

Testicular cancer is highly curable, especially when caught early, but awareness is critical. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait.

To learn more about your risk or discuss any concerns, schedule an appointment with a Loma Linda University Health provider or speak with your primary care physician.