SOCIAL, BEHAVIORAL AND MEDICAL FACTORS IN THE ETIOLOGY OF TESTICULAR CANCER - RESULTS FROM THE UK STUDY

Although many risk factors have been proposed for the aetiology of tes ticular cancer, only a history of cryptorchidism is well established. All risk factors previously suggested have been explored in this study . This population-based case-control study was carried out in nine hea lth regions in England and Wales and included 794 men, aged 15-49 year s, diagnosed with a testicular germ cell tumour between 1 January 1984 and 30 September 1986, each with an individually age-matched control. Cases and controls were interviewed and data were abstracted from the ir general practitioner notes. Participation rates for cases and contr ols were 92.0% and 83.1% respectively. Where possible the mother of ea ch interviewed man was sent a postal questionnaire for self-completion , Testicular trauma at least 2 years prior to diagnosis was associated with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.00 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54-2. 61]. Ever having had a sexually transmitted disease was also associate d with an increased risk (OR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.46-3.39). There was litt le evidence of an association with cigarette smoking. Sporting activit y had a protective effect. Detailed exploration of testicular temperat ure (wearing of tight underpants, jeans or trousers, hot baths and cen tral heating) failed to reveal any relationship with risk of testicula r cancer. There were no clear occupational associations.