Genetic Risk Factors for Testicular Cancer Found

For the past 40 years, the cases of testicular cancer have considerably increased. This form of cancer has become very dominant in men.

It is estimated that 1 in every 250 men aged 18-40 will most likely have to deal with testicular cancer.

Because of the recent increase of this form of cancer for the past decades, the conclusion that the current environmental conditions have a large part in increasing the chances of testicular cancer has become popular.

The incident of testicular cancer is higher for Caucasians compared to Asians and those with African ancestry but it’s still a possibility in other races. That means any men around the world are still susceptible to this form of cancer.

But recent reports suggest that aside from natural surroundings contributing to the increase susceptibility to testicular cancer; genetic factors might also determine the likelihood in contracting this disease.

Part of the cause of testicular cancer is hereditary but specific susceptibility cannot be established from hereditary symptoms alone. A person’s genes are the actual description which reveals very important information and this includes susceptibility to certain disease.

Testicular cancer is now part of the list of diseases that can be determined with the help of genes. Race might play a certain role in determining the chances of contracting this medical condition but genes might point the actual susceptibility of the person.

The Two Genes

Experts have identified two types of genes that increase the risk of testicular cancer: c-KIT ligand or KITLG and Sprouty 4 (SPRY4). Those with two copies of these genes have a high risk of contracting this disease. KITLG increase the risk of testicular cancer 4.5 times while SPRY 4 increase the risk by 1.48 times.

Variants of these types of genes do not place the person at high risk of testicular cancer. Additional data was even reached with this study.

Those with KITLG gene has a higher risk of contracting testicular cancer compared to other forms of cancer. Many cancers, such as prostate cancer, only have a 25% chance of contracting the disease for those who have this specific form of gene.

Separating Nature from Genes

The use of genes in determining the risk of contracting testicular cancer has led to the increased understanding of causes of testicular cancer. As already indicated, it is common knowledge that the person’s surroundings have great effects in the risk of contracting testicular cancer.

By identifying which genes will most likely contract this disease, the environmental factors can be better identified. By understanding the causes of this form of cancer; the chance of preventing testicular cancer for many individuals increase.

Of course, knowing the exact component of your genes just to know your susceptibility to this form of cancer is very expensive.

Aside from knowing your genes, self examination for possible testicular cancer should be administered.

By simply checking for small lumps in the testicles after every hot shower will help in early detection of this form of cancer. Success against the disease is very high when they are detected in early stages so self examination is a must.