Testicular cancer is a condition that originates in the testicles, which are responsible for producing and regulating male hormones and sperm for reproduction. There are many misconceptions about this disease. Here are some of the most common myths about testicular cancer.
- Testicular cancer will end your sex life.
Since the testicles are responsible for male sex hormones such as testosterone, it is popularly believed that if one or both of the testicles are removed, this will negatively impact a man’s sex drive. However, in the majority of testicular cancer cases, only one testicle is removed, and this will usually not affect a man’s fertility or sex drive at all. If both testicles are removed though, the lack of testosterone will cause the man to become sterile, and he is much more likely to lose interest in sex. Though fertility cannot be restored, taking testosterone supplements can usually help to restore any issues with sex drive.
- Testicular cancer usually affects older men.
Since most cases of cancer occur in older men, it is a common belief that testicular cancer falls in this category as well. However, the reality is that testicular cancer is actually a young man’s disease, with over half of the cases occurring in men between the ages of 20 and 34.
- Vasectomies cause testicular cancer.
Several decades ago, a few studies showed a slightly increased risk of testicular cancer in men who had undergone vasectomy surgery. Therefore, it became a commonly held belief that vasectomies would lead to testicular cancer. However, more recent studies have proven that there is no causal link between having a vasectomy and developing testicular cancer.
- Undescended testicles will become cancerous.
Cryptorchidism is a disorder that causes one or both testicles to fail to descend from the abdomen to the scrotum after birth. Even if it is surgically corrected, this disorder is known to increase the risk of developing testicular cancer at some point in your life. However, by no means does having an undescended testicle ensure that you will get testicular cancer. The reality is that testicular cancer is a very rare disease, and even in patients with undescended testicles, the risk of developing testicular cancer is still only about 2%.
- Testicle injuries increase your risk of developing testicular cancer.
It is popularly believed that getting severely hit in the testicles will increase your risk of testicular cancer, as will sports that cause repetitive friction to the testicles, such as horseback riding. However, recent research has shown that vigorous physical activity does not increase your risk of testicular cancer at all. In fact, the opposite is true since regular exercise is shown to reduce your risk of most cancers.
- Testicular cancer is usually fatal.
Since it is such a rare disease, many people believe that testicular cancer is one of the most dangerous forms of cancer. However, testicular cancer is actually one of the most treatable forms of cancer, with nine out of ten patients undergoing treatment for this disease surviving. According to the National Cancer Institute, the five-year relative survival rate for all men with testicular cancer is 95%.
