It’s easy to assume that serious health risks are a concern for later in life. For most young men in their 20s and 30s, long-term health is something they discuss in relation to staying fit, maintaining a balance between job and life, and remaining active. But behind the scenes, there's a silent danger brewing that doesn't carry vehement warning signs or agonizing symptoms, yet is increasing amongst this demographic. And shockingly, nearly 90% of young men don't even know they might be impacted. The truth is, being attuned to your body now might save your life down the road. Here's why medical professionals are urging young men to listen up.Roughly 10,000 new instances of testicular cancer are diagnosed annually in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society, with an average age of diagnosis of only 33. Unlike the majority of the other cancers that occur later in life, this cancer comes early—most commonly between 20 and 40 years of age.However, only 13% of the American adults polled recognized that testicular cancer is more frequent among young men and thus ranks as one of the most underappreciated dangers in young adult male health.Testicular cancer is not only uncommon; it's not well understood. "From my experience, many men are surprised testicular cancer is most prevalent among young men," adds Dr. Shawn Dason, an Ohio State urologist and lead author of the study. "You're just not expecting it in your thirties or twenties."In contrast to certain types of cancer with sets of initial warning signs, testicular cancer tends to be painless and thus more difficult to notice through sheer habit. The consequence? Late-stage diagnoses that lower survival rates.Symptoms of Testicular CancerThough survival after five years is 95% if caught early, this drops to 73% if the condition becomes widespread beyond the testicle. Despite the high cure rate, however, just 35% of survey respondents thought screening under age 40 is required.Adding to the threat is that the symptoms—if any—are insidious:A bulge or lump in the scrotumHeaviness or discomfortChange in size or firmness of a testiclePain or tenderness not caused by injuryFar too frequently, these symptoms are overlooked, dismissed, or go unnoticed because of the lack of overall awareness.Why Testicular Cancer Affects Younger Men?The reason why testicular cancer so heavily strikes younger men is still being researched, but it is thought to be attributed to germ cell activity, which is greater at a man's reproductive prime. These germ cells, used to make sperm, can become mutated and give rise to tumors.Some of the risk factors are:Family history of testicular cancerWhite ethnicityBeing tall (according to some research)Having undescended testicles (cryptorchidism)And, for some reason, being overweight hasn't proved to be a major risk factor—despite its link with so many other cancers.A 2024 study from California found testicular cancer rates in men under 39 increased by 10% over two decades, climbing from 6 to 7.3 cases per 100,000 people. According to the CDC, national figures mirrored the trend, with an increase from 6.3 to 6.8 cases per 100,000 men aged 0–39 between 1999 and 2021.Experts credit this increase to enhanced screening and environmental or lifestyle factors possibly impacting the development of germ cell tumors in young men.Early detection is a good thing—and it starts at home. The Testicular Cancer Foundation advises a monthly self-exam, preferably after a warm shower when scrotal skin is soft.How to Do a Testicular Self-ExamSTEP 1- Visually check for swelling, asymmetry, or change.STEP 2- Gently explore each testicle with thumb and fingers.STEP 3- Check for lumps, hard spots, or rapid change in size, weight, or texture.STEP 4- Check for pain, heaviness, or tenderness.If you find anything abnormal, consult a doctor at once—ideally a urologist. You might be sent for an ultrasound or blood test.Even with this easy and possibly life-saving measure, only 54% of men were aware they need to perform monthly self-exams, according to the Ohio State study—and the number that actually do so is probably much less.What Happens After Diagnosis?The majority of testicular cancers are treated successfully, particularly if diagnosed early. The initial course of treatment is surgery, where the cancerous testicle is surgically removed. This surgery, an orchiectomy, is usually followed by:Surveillance (routine check-ups if detected early)Radiation or chemotherapy (for late stages)Lymph node removal if cancer spreadsMost men continue to have healthy, active lives after treatment, such as professional athletes Nathan Adrian, an Olympic swimmer, and cyclist Lance Armstrong. Both were diagnosed in their 20s and underwent successful treatment following early detection.Why It is Important to Prioritize Men's Preventive Health?The larger concern is not testicular cancer—but men's overall attitude towards their health. Men under age 40 typically avoid preventive care, letting career pressure and everyday life interfere.Dr. Dason places a premium on mindset change: "We need to make health check-ups and being aware of one's body 'normal' among men in their 20s and 30s. Waiting for symptoms is waiting too long."Awareness is your most powerful ally in the fight against testicular cancer. If you’re a young man—or know one—start talking about this. Normalize self-exams, reduce stigma, and encourage open conversations with healthcare providers because when caught early, testicular cancer is not just treatable—it’s beatable.