Testicular Cancer Rates have Risen among Young Hispanic Men in the U.S.

Researchers from the University of Washington in Seattle have noted a dramatic rise in the rate of testicular cancer among young Hispanic American Men. According to findings published in the journal Cancer, a rise among non-Hispanic counterparts was not found.

Testicular germ cell tumors are the most common malignant cells for adolescent and young adult men, according to Medical News Today, accounting for about 21 percent of all tumors in American males between the ages of 15 and 39. In fact, it's estimated that 5.5 per 100,000 American men deal with this type of cancer between 2005 and 2009.

However, the number of cases can greatly vary by race. Now, researchers predict that Hispanic Americans are among the fastest growing population to suffer from the problem.

Though rates can range from 1.4 for every 100,000 black men to 6.6 per 100,000 white men, those among Hispanics fall in between 4.7 cases per 100,000 per year.

For the study, researchers examined a large database from the National Cancer Institute to look at trends in testicular cancer rates among Hispanic and non-Hispanic adolescents and young adults throughout the past two decades.

Findings revealed an increased rang among Hispanic men up to the age of 39 throughout all groups and across all stages. However,  the group of non-Hispanic white men in their 20s and early 30s showed only a smaller increase.

Researchers are still uncertain why the increase is taking place, particularly among Hispanic adolescents and young adults. However, they are thoroughly concerned, regardless.

"I think the most important message is that testicular cancer is common in this age group and in this population and that we need to provide early and prompt care to these patients," said Dr. Nicholas G. Cost of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, via Reuters, who was not involved in the study. "All male adolescent and young adult patients should be made aware by their primary care provider about the risks of testicular cancer, regardless of ethnicity."

Researchers hope this and future findings will raise awarness on the health issue and early treatment options.