Males with Neurodevelopmental Disorders Face a Higher Risk of Testicular Cancer
There have been several studies looking for a link between neurodevelopmental disorders in males, such as ADHA or autism, and a higher risk of testicular cancer. The results will be published in the British Journal of Cancer Research.
The study focused on 6,166 patients with testicular cancer in Sweden while comparing them with 61,660 age-matched men without testicular cancer. Scientists used odds ratios and hazard ratios to see if there was a correlation between psychiatric diagnosis and testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT).
"The study also found that people with a neurodevelopmental disorder were a median of four years younger when they developed cancer and were more likely to have more advanced disease at diagnosis," notes Ingrid Glimelius, Senior Consultant at the Department of Oncology at Uppsala University Hospital and Professor at Uppsala University.
It is still uncertain why scientists are seeing a link between neurodevelopmental disorders and the risk of the seminoma type of testicular cancer. But the angle of this study opens the doors of a different perspective on the cause of testicular cancer.
"Since we can see a reduced survival rate among people with mental health issues, it is important for the health care system, the individuals in question and their families to be aware that they may also be affected by another illness, and to ensure they seek treatment if they feel a lump in their testicle. This disease can be cured in most people today," adds Glimelius.
The study concluded that there is an “association between neurodevelopmental disorder and testicular seminoma, and an increased TGCT-specific mortality for TGCT patients with psychiatric disorders.” Read more about the study here: Risk and mortality of testicular cancer in patients with neurodevelopmental or other psychiatric disorders - PubMed (nih.gov)
It is important to perform monthly self-exams since testicular cancer is over 95% curable when detected early. If you notice anything abnormal, pain or painless lump, bump, or swelling, please see your doctor.
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