Rising risk and rapid advances in treating testicular cancer in young men

Testicular cancer is rising among men aged 15–49 (about 2,400 UK cases per year). Risk factors include family history, undescended testicles, and possibly early chemical exposure; white ethnicity is linked to higher risk. Common symptoms are a lump or swelling, with pain in about 10% of cases. Early detection is crucial, as cure rates exceed 95%. Treatment usually removes the affected testicle, with chemotherapy if needed; newer robotic lymph-node surgery speeds recovery, as highlighted by Sam Birchall’s experience.