An exact cause of testicular cancer remains unclear. However, researchers have discovered a number of factors that may increase your risk for developing the cancer.
Having a risk factor does not mean you will develop testicular cancer. Risk factors for testicular cancer include:
- An undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) or inguinal hernia when you were born
- Testicles that did not develop normally
- Previous testicular cancer. About 3% to 4% of those successfully treated for testicular cancer will develop cancer in the other testicle.
- Carcinoma in situ of the testicle
- HIV infection
- Family history of testicular cancer, especially in a brother or father
- Race. White cisgender men are 4 to 5 times more likely to develop testicular cancer than African-American or Asian-Americans.