Exercise and Testicular Cancer: What It Can and Can't Do

The short answer: exercise has not been shown to prevent testicular cancer. It is still worth doing: physical activity is linked to a lower risk of several other cancers, and it can help you feel better during and after treatment.

Does exercise lower your risk of testicular cancer?

There is no evidence that it does. The American Cancer Society says it is not possible to prevent most cases of testicular cancer, and the main known risk factors, like an undescended testicle or a family history, are things you can't change. Read more in Can you prevent testicular cancer?

The reverse worry isn't supported either. According to the American Cancer Society, most studies have not found that hard physical activity raises the risk of testicular cancer, and most studies find no link between testicular cancer and body weight.

What exercise does do

The National Cancer Institute reports strong evidence that higher levels of physical activity are linked to a lower risk of several other cancers: bladder, breast, colon, endometrial, esophageal, kidney and stomach. Testicular cancer is not on that list.

How much exercise is recommended?

The American Cancer Society recommends that adults get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity, each week (or a mix of the two). For cancer survivors, the American Cancer Society also recommends muscle-strengthening exercise on at least 2 days a week.

A simple weekly routine

You do not need a gym membership to hit those numbers. A balanced week might include:

• Aerobic activity: brisk walking, jogging, cycling or swimming.
• Strength training: weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight moves like push-ups, squats and lunges, on 2 or more days.
• Flexibility: stretching, yoga or Pilates.

Start with goals you can keep, pick activities you enjoy, and build up over time.

Exercise during and after treatment

If you have been diagnosed, staying active can help. The National Cancer Institute says exercise is generally safe for cancer survivors and that every survivor should keep up some level of physical activity. It also reports strong evidence that moderate aerobic or resistance exercise during and after treatment can reduce anxiety.

The American Cancer Society says exercise may help reduce treatment side effects and fatigue, ease depression and anxiety, and help you sleep better.

Some cautions from the American Cancer Society:

• Check with your care team before you start or change an exercise plan.
• Don't exercise if you feel dizzy or unsteady on your feet.
• Don't go above a moderate effort without talking with your doctor first.
• Call your doctor right away if you notice swelling, pain, dizziness or blurred vision.
• Avoid contact sports.

After surgery, chemotherapy or RPLND, ask your care team when it is safe to start and how fast to build back up. Our survivorship guide covers life after treatment.

The habit that matters most for testicular cancer

Because testicular cancer can't be prevented, the biggest difference comes from finding it early. Learn how to do a testicular self-exam and the warning signs, and see a doctor promptly if something changes.

Sources

• American Cancer Society, Can Testicular Cancer Be Prevented?
• American Cancer Society, Risk Factors for Testicular Cancer
• American Cancer Society, Guideline for Diet and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention
• American Cancer Society, Physical Activity When You Have Cancer
• National Cancer Institute, Physical Activity and Cancer

This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your doctor.