How to Prevent Testicular Cancer

Knowing how to prevent testicular cancer is difficult, with the medical community still searching for lifestyle factors that may increase your risk of developing this disease. Several thousand men are diagnosed with testicular cancer every year and it can develop in men of all ages. There are several risk factors for this type of cancer, but most are not within individual control.

1. Determine if you are at increase risk of developing testicular cancer. Though you may not be able to prevent testicular cancer, taking a look at your family and medical history can help you determine if you are more likely to develop it. Abnormal testicle development such as an undescended testicle increases the risk, as does a family history of testicular cancer. Caucasian men, those who are HIV positive and those diagnosed with Klinefelter's syndrome are likewise at increased risk.
2. Consider a career change to prevent testicular cancer. Men working in certain areas experience testicular cancer at a higher rate than those in the general public. These include miners, gas and leather workers, employees in the food and beverage processing industry and utility workers. Though it is not generally a viable option to make a job switch, men who have several risk factors and also work in one of these fields may want to consider doing so.
3. Be aware of changes in the testes. Regular self-exam is the best way to spot early signs of testicular cancer. This will not prevent testicular cancer, but it will greatly increase your chances of discovering it during the early disease stages and positively affect the outcome. Lumps, swelling, pain and fluid buildup in the testes are all possible symptoms of testicular cancer and should be examined by a doctor immediately.
4. Follow a commonsense, healthy lifestyle. While testicular cancer does not appear to be as responsive to lifestyle factors as many other types of cancer, living a healthy lifestyle is nonetheless a good practice to follow. Avoid tobacco, alcohol and drugs. Get regular exercise and eat a nutrient dense diet including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. This type of lifestyle allows the body to function at its best and is a good choice for preventing the development of a wide array of various diseases and conditions.

References

Health