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While testicular cancer remains rare, its impact on reproductive health, particularly among young men, is a significant concern, warn experts. Despite its low incidence in India, standing at less than 1 case per 100,000 population, the disease poses a considerable threat to fertility, prompting calls for heightened awareness and proactive measures.
According to Dr. Pallavi Prasad, a Fertility Consultant at Nova IVF Fertility, Bengaluru, testicular cancer’s direct effect on sperm-producing organs can disrupt reproductive capabilities. Surgical intervention, often the primary treatment, involves removing the cancerous testicle, potentially impairing sperm production even in the remaining healthy testicle. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy, employed to combat cancer cells, further exacerbate fertility concerns by diminishing sperm quantity and quality.
Dr. Prasad advocates for fertility preservation methods such as sperm banking before cancer treatment to safeguard future parenthood options. However, accessibility and personal considerations may influence individuals’ decisions regarding these procedures.
Testicular cancer’s precise causes remain elusive, though risk factors like early exposure to certain hormones or congenital conditions like cryptorchidism elevate susceptibility. Dr. Shalabh Agrawal, a Urology Consultant at C.K. Birla Hospital, Gurugram, underscores the importance of recognizing symptoms, notably painless testicular enlargement, which necessitates prompt medical attention to rule out malignancy.
Despite its potential severity, testicular cancer boasts a favorable prognosis, with a 10-year survival rate exceeding 90 percent, according to Dr. Agrawal. Early detection through regular self-examinations, characterized by palpating the testicles for abnormalities, emerges as a crucial preventive measure.
As the most common cancer affecting young men aged 15 to 35, raising awareness about testicular cancer’s impact on fertility and the significance of early detection is imperative. By empowering individuals with knowledge and encouraging proactive health practices, strides can be made in mitigating the disease’s reproductive repercussions and enhancing overall well-being.
In light of these insights, health authorities and advocacy groups are urged to intensify efforts to disseminate information and promote proactive health-seeking behaviors among young men, ensuring they are equipped to confront testicular cancer’s challenges head-on.
