Alcohol and testicular cancer (TC)nis a subject of concern to many men. It’s also a concern of their partners.

In addition, people greatly fear cancer. They also fear problems with their genitals. So people especially fear cancer of their genitals.

              Overview

I.   Alcohol and Testicular Cancer

II.  Risk Factors

III. Symptoms

IV.  Drinking

V.   Resources

I. Alcohol and Testicular Cancer

Drinking alcoholic beverages does not increase the risk of having TC. That’s the conclusion of the National Cancer Institute, the American Academy of Family Physicians and CancerResearch UK. And also of the American Cancer Society, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and other medical groups.

II. Risk Factors

Risk factors for TC include these.

• • Undescended testicle(s). This increases the risk of TC by several times.
  • Family history of TC.
  • Cancer of the other testicle.
  • Age. About 90% of TC occurs between the ages of 20 and 54.
  • Race. White men are about five times more likely to have TC than African American men.  They’re three times more likely than Native American or Asian American men.
  • HIV infection.
  • AIDS
  • Klinefelter’s syndrome. (That’s a condition in which men have an extra X chromosome.)

III. Symptoms

Symptoms of TC include these.

• • A lump in a testicle.
  • Enlargement or swelling of a testicle.
  • Pain in a testicle or in the scrotum.
  • Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
  • A collection of fluid in the scrotum.
  • Dull ache in the groin, lower abdomen, back or in the groin.
  • An enlargement or tenderness of the breasts.

Monthly self-examination of the testicles is useful in early diagnosis of the disease. And the Testicular Cancer Society describes how to do testicular self-exams. See a doctor promptly if you notice any change. That’s because early treatment is very important.

In the 1970s, most men who had TC died from it. But pioneering Dr. Lawrence Einhorn changed that. He developed a method of using three specific drugs combined. Dr. Einhorn and others have cntinued their efforts. Today, with early treatment, the survival rate is 99%.

IV. Drinking Alcohol and Testicular Cancer

Drinking alcohol is not a risk factor for TC. On the other hand, moderate drinkers tend to have better health and longer life. That’s compared to than either alcohol abstainers or abusers.

The U.S government has defined drinking in moderation. It’s a man having two alcoholic drinks daily.

Some people think that only wine has health benefits. But beer, wine and spirits are all good for better health and longer life.  There’s no evidence that any one is better.

V. Resources on Testicular Cancer

Popular Books

• • Hansen, R. Testicular Cancer. A Patient’s Guide.
  • Johanson, P. Frequently Asked Questions about Testicular Cancer. (Juv)
  • Lin, D. and Taneja, S. Testicular Cancer.
  • Natl Cancer Inst. Testicular Cancer. Questions and Answers.
  • Parker, J. and Parker, P. The Official Patient’s Sourcebook on Testicular Cancer.
  • Shah, P. Testicular Cancer. The Essential Guide.

Note

• • This site gives no advice. If you have questions about alcohol and testicular cancer, please ask your doctor.