Male Sterility Increases Testicular Cancer Risk
Men who are infertile seem to have a higher risk of developing testicular cancer, according to a study by the University of California at San Francisco (United States) published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine. “
Cancer testicular germ cells, the most common among young men in developed countries has become more prevalent over the past 30-50 years. There is evidence that semen quality and male fertility have declined during this time in rich countries but it is unknown whether the two are related.
The scientists, led by Thomas J. Walsh, analyzed data from 22 562 men from couples seeking fertility treatment between 1967 and 1998. The male factor infertility was present in about 4549 of these pairs. Their records were linked to state cancer that included information on cancer cases confirmed between 1988 and 2004.
A total of 22 562 of 34 men diagnosed with testicular cancer had sought fertility treatment for at least one year earlier. Compared with men of similar age in the general population, those in couples seeking a solution to their infertility were 1.3 times more likely to develop testicular cancer. Men with infertility results of their tests were 2.8 times more prone to testicular cancer than those without this disorder.
According to investigators, the interpretation of these data makes them consider that male infertility or testicular cancer treatment may result. However, the authors note that it is unlikely that the treatment of infertility is the risk factor as they are used assisted reproductive techniques rather than surgical or medical treatments in humans.
The authors believe that the possible explanation for this relationship between infertility and testicular cancer is common cause underlying both disorders. Environmental factors and shortcomings in the process of DNA repair could contribute to both conditions, the authors conclude.
