Rates of testicular cancer have been increasing across the globe for the last several decades though the rate of increase has slowed in recent years. In the U.S., nearly 10,000 new cases of testicular cancer were diagnosed in 2024, and about 500 deaths from testicular cancer were reported in the same year. Thanks to effective therapies, the disease has an approximate 95% cure rate.
While treatment for testicular cancer is often successful, especially when it is discovered early, the condition can be associated with a higher risk of other types of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, the most common cancer to follow testicular cancer is a second testicular cancer. Other common second cancers include cancers of the kidney, rectum, pancreas, bladder and thyroid. Research also shows that men with a history of testicular cancer may have a nearly fivefold higher risk for developing prostate cancer compared to men without a history of testicular cancer.
As a two-time testicular cancer survivor, Jesse Solomon, a reality TV personality who stars in “Summer House,” understands the importance of raising awareness about this disease and the risks it may pose to other aspects of men’s health.
“I was diagnosed with testicular cancer at 24,” shares Jesse. “I didn’t see this coming at all, and since then, I’ve been super proactive about my health.”
Hear Jesse tell his story about his experience with testicular cancer and how it has changed his perspective on preventative health measures, routine screenings and more.
The benefits of early detection in testicular cancer
While there are no standard tests or guidelines for testicular cancer screening, experts generally recommend examining a man’s testicles during routine primary care check-ups, as well as regular self-exams during or after a bath or shower.
“Early detection is the best way to prevent cancer from becoming deadly,” says Jesse. “It is the best form of prevention. I make sure to do a self-screening once a month and see my doctor at least once a year to make sure I’m healthy.”
It’s also important to discuss your personal testicular cancer risk factors with your healthcare provider. These may include:
- Undescended testicle (i.e., cryptorchidism)
- Family history of testicular cancer
- Personal history of HIV infection
- Age (testicular cancer is commonly diagnosed between ages 20-34)
- Race and ethnicity (testicular cancer risk is higher among white, American Indian and Alaska Native men)
Proactive practices for testicular cancer prevention
The initial symptoms of testicular cancer typically include a lump and/or swelling in one or both testicles. A suspicious mass may prompt a healthcare provider to order blood tests and imaging that can help detect testicular cancer.
“It is very important to do bloodwork and other tests because you can’t always see or feel a problem with your body,” says Jesse. “There are all sorts of conditions that can occur to even the healthiest people, so it’s extremely important to catch these things as early as possible when you have the best chance of fighting them.”
Testicular cancer is considered one of the most treatable cancers. Still, the cancer can spread to other parts of the body, and it may increase the risk of developing secondary cancers in survivors—a reality that Jesse has endured in his own experience with testicular cancer.
“As a two-time cancer survivor, the idea that cancer can come back at any time has really driven home the need to regularly test myself to make sure I am healthy,” explains Jesse. “It helps me sleep at night knowing that I am doing the best I can to stay on top of it.”
Stay on top of your testicular cancer risk with men’s health testing
As Jesse notes, many men with testicular cancer don’t show early symptoms, which makes screening and early detection even more crucial.
“It’s important to understand what’s happening inside your body,” he says. “Labcorp is here to help you become your healthiest self.”
From hormone testing to screening for diabetes, heart disease and more, Labcorp OnDemand’s Men’s Health Test provides key insights to help you stay on top of your health. Labcorp OnDemand also offers a PSA Prostate Cancer Screening Test to help provide proactive information about overall prostate health. By measuring the levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA)—a protein produced by both healthy and cancerous cells in the prostate gland—in your blood, the test can help you and your healthcare team determine whether additional testing or treatment may be needed.
