Time to man up: Increased risk of testicular cancer among boys with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Epidemiologic studies have identified an increased risk of certain malignancies among people with cystic fibrosis. Testicular cancer is one of these malignancies. Potential explanations for this observation include primary effects of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene or protein on tissue versus secondary effects which are caused by abnormal anatomy and physiology. Two cases of testicular cancer among adolescent boys receiving care at the same cystic fibrosis care center are presented. Current U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines recommend against routinely screening, medical or self-examination, for testicular cancer among adolescent or adult males. Given the increased risk of testicular cancer among boys and men with cystic fibrosis, this recommendation must be reassessed. As part of its recent focus on reproductive health, the cystic fibrosis care community should, at minimum, develop age-appropriate education resources for adolescent and adult males with cystic fibrosis.