04 May 2023 , 12:00
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Patients who have been diagnosed with ADHD or autism are more likely to develop testicular cancer, scientists have warned.
The disease occurs when abnormal cells in a testicle start to divide and grow in an uncontrolled way, which happens most often between the ages of 15 and 45.
While the exact causes of testicular cancer are unknown, Swedish scientists have identified a link between neurodevelopmental disorders - which include learning difficulties and cerebral palsy - and the devastating disease. The experts suggest that changes in the womb that cause the disorders could also increase the risk of tumours.
Dr Anna Jansson, of Uppsala University, said: “We do not know why we are seeing a link between neurodevelopmental disorders and the risk of testicular cancer. But we believe that early life events have an impact, perhaps even as early as the foetal stage.”
Around 2,400 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer every year in the UK, making it the 17th most common cancer in men.
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The disease occurs when abnormal cells in a testicle start to divide and grow in an uncontrolled way (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Dr Ingrid Glimelius added: “It is important for the healthcare system, the individuals and their families to be aware they may be affected by another illness, and to ensure they seek treatment if they feel a lump. This disease can be cured in most people today.”
Recent statistics have revealed that around 2.6 million Brits are living with ADHD, while around 700,000 are believed to have autism.
The latest study, published in the British Journal of Cancer, explored the link between testicular cancer and certain conditions. As part of the study, researchers tracked medical records of 6,166 testicular cancer patients and compared them to 61,660 age-matched men who didn’t have the disease.
They found that participants with the disorders were just under one percent more likely to suffer from testicular cancer. The researchers explained how their findings could better our understanding of the disease and its effect on men.
Dr Glimelius added: “As testicular cancer can be surgically removed, thus curing the disease, it is important to seek care in time if you feel a lump in your testicle.”
Other known risk factors include undescended testicles - also known as cryptorchidism - highlights the NHS. This refers to a testicle that hasn't moved into its proper position in the bag of skin hanging below the penis before birth, affecting around three to five percent of boys.
The health body explains that men with undescended testicles are about three times more likely to develop testicular cancer than men whose testicles descend at birth or shortly after.
Testicular cancer is the 17th most common cancer in men (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Hypospadias - a birth defect where the opening of the urethra is not at the tip of the penis - and family history of the disease are also risks.
Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when caught early, with 98 percent of men in England and Wales surviving for five years or more after diagnosis.
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Early signs of testicular cancer may include:
A lump or enlargement in either testicle
A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
A dull ache in the abdomen or groin
A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
Back pain
You may also experience breathing difficulties and other signs of a blood clot in your legs or other bodily parts, which requires urgent medical attention.
How to check your testicles for signs of cancer
Stand in front of a mirror and check if you can see anything unusual like any swelling on the skin.
Feel the size and weight of each testicle. You may notice that one testicle is larger or hangs lower than the other. This is completely normal.
Get to know the feel of your testicles by rolling each one between your fingers and thumb. They should feel smooth, without any lumps or swellings.
Compare your testicles with each other – get to know any differences between them.