Testicular cancer’s survival rate is very good, especially if a doctor detects it, and a person starts treatment in the earliest stage before it has spread. Aside from stage, other factors can affect survival, such as age and response to treatment.

Statistics show that more than 95% of people live at least 5 years after diagnosis. Because the cure rate is as high as 90%, it is one of the most curable types of cancer.

There are different forms of testicular cancer, and some spread faster than others.

This article examines the testicular cancer survival rate, factors that affect it, how fast the cancer spreads, and sources of support. It also answers frequently asked questions.

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The overall 5-year relative survival rate (RSR) is 95.2%. This statistic compares the percentage of people expected to live 5 years after diagnosis to those in the larger population.

According to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program, the survival for stages is as follows:

SEER stageDefinitionSurvival rate
localizedno sign of spread beyond the testicle99%
regionalsigns of spread outside the testicle to lymph nodes or nearby structures96%
distantevidence of spread to distant body parts, such as the lungs and liver73%

Getting treatment is critically important for survival. An older 2013 study notes that untreated testicular cancer may spread and lead to death.

Some other factors that affect survival include:

Stage

The earlier the cancer stage at diagnosis, the less it has spread, and the more positive the outlook.

Regular self-examination of the testicles can help a person receive an earlier diagnosis.

Tumor markers

Elevated tumor markers, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), can indicate cancer spread.

If the elevations are only slight, people may still have a good outlook. If the elevations are high, the outlook tends to be less favorable.

Treatment response

Although the cure rate for testicular cancer is very high — around 90% or greater — people may respond to treatment differently.

Learn more about treating testicular cancer.

Age

Older adults tend to have more co-occurring long-term health conditions and experience more side effects from medications. Both of these factors affect survival, notes a 2022 review.

Collaborative team approach

Having a multidisciplinary approach helps foster the best outcomes. This may involve a team of professionals, including a:

The speed at which testicular cancer spreads depends on whether the cancer is of the seminoma or non-seminoma type.

While seminomas affect testicular cells in the early stage of development, non-seminomas affect more mature testicular cells.

Non-seminomas are more aggressive and have a faster rate of growth.

Receiving a diagnosis and treatment for testicular cancer can be a challenging time for a person.

Below are resources for support:

  • Online community: Getting support through online communities, such as the Cancer Survivors Network or Testicular Cancer Society, can be an invaluable tool for connecting with others with similar experiences. Benefits include easing loneliness and acquiring information.
  • Service search bar: The American Cancer Society offers a search bar for a person to find various services in their area, such as financial assistance and rides.
  • Counselor: People may benefit from one-on-one counseling, which can offer insight and encouragement. Someone’s care team may suggest a professional who works with cancer survivors.

Below are answers to frequently asked questions.

How long can you live with testicular cancer?

Most people live for at least 5 years. However, beyond this, it is impossible to know how long a person will live, as it depends on various factors, such as age, co-occurring chronic conditions, and recurrence.

Additionally, individuals who have testicular cancer have a higher risk of getting other cancers.

It is possible that engaging in lifestyle practices, such as eating healthy and getting regular exercise, may help survival, but this has not been proven.

Is testicular cancer curable?

It is typically curable in people who receive chemotherapy or radiation therapy after surgery. Because the cure rate is as high as 90%, it is one of the most curable types of cancer.

What are the odds of beating testicular cancer?

For most people, treatment can destroy or remove the cancer, so the odds are very good. However, because recurrence is possible, people should attend all follow-up doctor appointments.

Even if the cancer recurs, it is still frequently curable.

What is the average age of people with testicular cancer?

The average age at diagnosis is 33 years.

Overall, the testicular cancer survival rate is 95.2%, but it is important to catch it and start treatment before it spreads. Getting treatment is essential for survival.

Other factors that affect survival include the stage at diagnosis, age, and response to treatment. Also, the form of cancer can affect survival because non-seminomas are more aggressive and spread more rapidly.

An array of resources are available. For example, support groups are places where people with cancer can share experiences and information.