BY PAM DELANY

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer affecting young men, yet it’s often left out of everyday health conversations. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 10,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States, with the highest rates occurring in males between the ages of 15 and 35.

Many people are surprised to learn that testicular cancer most often affects young men. Because it can strike in the prime of life, when health concerns may seem distant, symptoms can be easily overlooked. In most cases, the first signs are physical: a lump, swelling, a change in size or texture, or a persistent feeling of heaviness.

Having one or both testicles undescended at birth, known as cryptorchidism, is one risk factor. Others include a family history of the disease and a previous diagnosis in the opposite testicle. Additionally, white, American Indian, and Alaska Native men are statistically more likely to be diagnosed than men of other racial backgrounds. Awareness and early detection are key because risk factors are fixed, with no known preventable factors. Most diagnoses are made when someone notices a change and seeks medical attention.

The best way to detect testicular cancer early is through regular self-exams. The ideal time to perform a self-exam is during or after a warm shower, when the skin is relaxed. Men should check for any changes in size, shape, or texture and see their doctor or urologist as soon as possible if they notice changes or a lump.

Testicular cancer is most commonly classified into two main types: seminomas and non-seminomas, both of which originate in the germ cells of the testicles. Seminomas tend to grow more slowly and usually affect men between the ages of 25 and 45. They often respond well to radiation and chemotherapy, making them highly treatable even if diagnosed at a later stage. Non-seminomas are generally more aggressive and tend to occur in younger men between the ages of 15 and 35. These tumors may spread more quickly, but with early detection and modern treatment, the prognosis remains very positive.

“The good news? Most testicular cancers respond really well to treatment, with a cure rate of over 95%. If it’s caught early, that number jumps to around 98%,” says Julie Dunnigan, CEO of Cancer Support Community Arizona (CSCAZ).

Early detection made all the difference to Conner Trujillo. At 27, he began to notice a persistent pain and an odd, uncomfortable swelling. Sitting or lying down became difficult.

“It felt like something was in the way,” he said.

Soon after, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Trujillo underwent an orchiectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the cancerous testicle. In the month between his diagnosis and surgery, his tumor had grown from a normal size to that of a softball.

Surgery was only the first step. Then came a choice: monitor for recurrence with a 40% chance it would return, or do one round of chemotherapy to reduce the odds to under 10%. Trujillo opted for chemo. It was a brutal round with six hours of treatment over five consecutive days, followed by one day of treatment for two more weeks. It left him physically wrecked and mentally exhausted.

“During my chemo, I experienced what was the worst day of my life,” he recalled. “I felt like I was burning from the inside out.”

After completing treatment, the physical recovery began, but the emotional aftermath lingered. Trujillo found himself downplaying his experience.

“I kept thinking, I only had one round, some people go through this for years. Mine wasn’t that bad,” he said.

He found himself in a dark place, becoming depressed. Eventually, he found his way to CSCAZ. According to Dunnigan, CSCAZ is the only full-spectrum cancer support nonprofit in the state, offering no-cost programs for anyone impacted by cancer, including patients, caregivers, families, and survivors. The organization provides support groups, educational classes, and integrative wellness offerings while deeply focusing on emotional healing and connection.

“Many men find it challenging to express their feelings due to societal conditioning that encourages emotional suppression,” says Dunnigan. “They have been taught to prioritize stoicism and resilience, taking roles as protectors rather than nurturers.”

However, when they participate in support groups, they find a sense of camaraderie, realizing they are not alone in their experiences. That made all the difference for Trujillo.

“There are people who understand what I’m going through,” he said. “The support community has definitely helped.”

Through his journey, Trujillo is thankful for his fiancé’s support.

“He encouraged me to talk, to get help, to go to the group. He never judged me, even when I struggled,” he said. “And that’s the thing, this affects your body, but it also changes how you see yourself.”

Trujillo is now approaching his three-year mark cancer free. The chemo weakened his body to the point that he had to give up a career as a veterinary technician. He’s had to pivot professionally and physically. But his mindset has shifted.

He shared, “I’m more self-aware. I listen to my body. I don’t downplay pain anymore. I speak up, and I let myself feel what I’m feeling. That’s a big change for me.”

His message to other men, and those who love them, is clear: Don’t ignore discomfort.

“If something feels off, go get it checked.”

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